Eastern Railroad Discussion > Trouble on B&OCT Blue Island Sub Tuesday night

On Tuesday night around 930pm WBBM newsradio78 traffic reporter was talking
about all the crossings from 95th St. to 107th St. on Chicago's southwest side
being blocked by a "stalled" freight train. CTA was rerouting buses so it must
have been a lengthy delay. Anyone know what happened?

I believe UP's YPRCU hit a car or pedestrian.....

That was the most feared train on the Blue Island Sub. when I worked there.
I had forgotten about it so thanks for the mention, as I can now reflect without stress.

Those crossings mentioned and others between 75th St and Blue Island are called "9-1-1" crossings and believe me, the RB and RA dispatchers know their importance. NO train gets released between 75th and Blue Island unless it is known that they will fit without blocking crossings or that their intended destination can take the train. Of course, there are always circumstances such as a trespasser strike or hitting a car, losing your air, etc. that are beyond the control of the train crews or dispatchers. You can call it "Precision Railroading," but in a imprecise world, it doesn't always work.