Extreme cold breaks train tracks, leaving commuters stranded in Chicago

On December 12, 2024, extreme cold weather impacted train operations in the Chicago area, leading to significant delays for commuters using Metra and CTA services. The severe temperatures resulted in cracked rails and other equipment failures across five Metra lines and one CTA line. Commuters shared their experiences and coping strategies for dealing with these unexpected disruptions, typical for this time of year in the city. According to experts, when temperatures drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the steel materials used in railroad tracks can become brittle, leading to structural issues that disrupt train circuits and overall service. The situation highlighted the challenges posed by not only the severe weather conditions but also the aging infrastructure of the rail system, which is increasingly ill-equipped to handle such extreme fluctuations in temperature. Metra's spokesman, Michael Gillis, explained the mechanics behind these disruptions, noting that the gaps formed between rails can halt operations. The cold also introduced further complications for electrical systems and switches, emphasizing the urgent need for the modernization of Chicago's rail infrastructure to prevent these types of incidents in the future.