Amid Incoming Blizzard And Upcoming Holiday, Metra Modifies Schedule

CHICAGO — With weather forecasts predicting blizzard conditions, Metra service will be reduced Friday, officials announced, noting that many rail commuters will have already begun their Christmas holiday.

Metra trains will operate on their regular weekday schedule on Thursday, but riders were encouraged to allow themselves additional travel time in the evening.

On Friday, most lines will operate with a modified Saturday schedule. A pair of lines that do not normally run on weekends will stick with their weekday schedules Friday, while the North Central Service will run on a modified weekday schedule.

Motorists around the area were asked to use additional caution near trains due to forecasts of reduced visibility and slippery conditions on the roads starting Thursday evening and continuing all day on Friday.

Find full modified schedules for Friday, Dec. 23:

• BNSF
  
• Metra Electric
• Milwaukee District North
• Milwaukee District West
• North Central Service
• Rock Island
• Union Pacific North
• Union Pacific Northwest
• Union Pacific West

(Trains on the Heritage Corridor and SouthWest Service lines will operate with normal weekday schedules.)