Chicago Train Track Heaters Put on Fiery Show

Metra workers are lighting up heaters designed to prevent train equipment from malfunctioning, making the tracks look ablaze with fire.

1 minute read

January 17, 2024, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction

Train on elevated track on snowy city landscape with Chicago skyline in background.

Richard / Adobe Stock

In a spectacular but functional annual ritual, Chicago transit workers are lighting small fires along the city’s train tracks to “help fuel gas-powered heaters at different points along the tracks, especially near switches.”

The heaters melt ice on the tracks which could impede the functionality of switches and other equipment. “That ice can not only cause wheel slippage on rails, but can also cause switches to operate more slowly or to even stop working altogether, causing extensive delays for trains that are awaiting switch clearance to get routed onto their proper tracks.”

FULL STORY: Here's why Metra workers light fires on tracks during cold weather

Monday, January 15, 2024 in NBC Chicago

Transportation Illinois Chicago train tracks Winter Cold Weather Public Transit Metra View More

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