News

MetroLink Rail Grinding Maintenance Operation Continues

Patti Beck
External Communications Manager
314-982-1524

The MetroLink rail grinding work continues this week in Illinois as Metro strives to improve ride quality for MetroLink passengers. Since it will be necessary to operate trains on a single track during this rail maintenance process, the work is being done at night after peak commute times in order to minimize delays for customers. The project should be completed in early April.

A reminder that the special equipment used for the rail grinding produces sparks. On occasion, these sparks might touch off a small fire along the tracks. A fire suppression crew follows directly behind the rail grinder so area residents should not be concerned if they see sparks or tiny fires. There is no need to call the fire department or police department. Metro has alerted emergency responders in advance, just in case they receive calls from the public.

This week, Red Line customers may experience delays of between 5 to 10 minutes. Blue Line service will not be affected by the work.

Below is the rail grinding schedule from Monday, February 13 through Sunday, February 19:

February 13, Monday
Beginning at 8 p.m. tonight, MetroLink will implement single track operations at Memorial Station until the end of service so that the rail grinding crews can work on the tracks between the Fairview Heights and Memorial MetroLink Stations.

February 14-17, Tuesday through Friday
Beginning at 8 p.m., MetroLink will implement single track operations at the Swansea MetroLink Station and the Belleville MetroLink Station until the end of service each night so that the rail grinding crews can work on the tracks between the Memorial MetroLink Station and Belleville MetroLink Station.

February 18, Saturday
No single track operations scheduled.

February 19, Sunday
Beginning at 8 p.m., MetroLink will implement single track operations between the Belleville MetroLink Station and College MetroLink Station until the end of service so that the rail grinding crews can work on the tracks.

Updates on MetroLink operations can be found at www.metrostlouis.org in the Rider Alert section or by calling Customer Service at 314-231-2345 or 618-271-2345 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.