In preparation for the winter months, Metra made several updates to prevent any weather related delays.
This year, Metra says it replaced outdated doors on 35 cars to prevent jamming caused by accumulating ice and snow.
The agency also says it added nearly two dozen switch heaters and installed switch covers on the Rock Island, Milwaukee, and Metra Electric lines.
The efficiency of switch heaters will also improve, according to Metra. Along the Rock Island, Milwaukee, and Metra Electric lines, crews installed jets on heaters that direct the heat to where it’s needed.
Metra also plans to utilize three cold-air jet blowers that blast cold air to clear snow and ice from rail yards.
The agency says it may also implement alternative schedules in the event of extreme weather conditions.
