Bill Cameron sits down with the Chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors, Kirk Dillard. Topics include: The latest AMTRAK derailment and how it might have been prevented with “Positive Train Control” systems. How are Chicago’s commuter railways progressing with their installation of these systems. Rate Increases on the CTA & METRA and broader political topics including Bruce Rauner’s chances against his challenger in the upcoming primary election, Jeanne Ives. What does the future hold for the Illinois GOP?
In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. The Tax Reform Bill: Who does it help and who gets hurt? Immigration: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, (‘Dreamers’) are waiting to see of Congress can achieve “Dream Act” legislation to save them. The Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at the state run Quincy Veterans Home might hurt the Bruce Rauner campaign. Did he wait too long and are his latest comments enough response.
This week’s Community Spotlight segment covers a press announcement by Governor Bruce Rauner and Alsip Deputy Police Chief Bob Ricker. Along with other state officials and Emergency Responders, they outline plans by the state police for road patrols and changes for disability placard applications. Jennifer Keiper reports.
(WOODSTOCK) A person was fatally struck by a Metra train early Thursday in northwest west suburban Woodstock.
Outbound train No. 601 struck the person at 2:02 a.m. just south of the Woodstock station at 90 Church St., according to Metra. The train left Ogilvy station at 12:30 a.m. and was due to make its final stop at the Harvard station at 2:20 a.m.
Metra said the person hit by the train was killed, although the McHenry County coroner’s office could not immediately confirm the death Thursday morning.
The train remained stopped as of 4:50 a.m., according to Metra. Woodstock police are investigating.
CHICAGO (AP) — Young people will be able to ride for free on suburban Chicago’s commuter rail service for this year’s Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
Metra announced it will waive fares for people 18 and younger who are accompanied by an adult on Thursday.
That’s the day when some employees will bring their kids to work as part of a national effort to show children the value of education and work and to shadow adults at their jobs.
Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno says the day provides an opportunity for young people to experience what their parents do on a typical workday. He says “for many of our riders, commuting with Metra is part of that.”
Each paying adult may bring up to three children for free.
Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
(CHICAGO) Metra is considering an expansion of its policy allowing pets to ride on trains.
Beginning May 1, the transit agency will begin a six-month trial program that will allow pets to ride on off-peak weekday trains, according to a statement from Metra.
Previously, Metra’s policy was to allow pets to ride on trains only on weekends and holidays.
However, bringing your great dane for a ride won’t be happening anytime soon, Metra said. The policy will be restricted to small pets that can fit into a pet carrier. Pets must be in carriers that can be toted by a single person to be allowed on the trains, they can’t take up seats or obstruct pathways and should be held on a passenger’s lap or put under the seat while riding.
Bad behavior by a pet, such as making noise, could get them removed from the train, Metra said.
The policy does not apply to service animals, which are allowed on all Metra trains at all times.
The expanded pet policy would be similar to the agency’s bike policy, Metra said. Pets can ride on trains arriving in Chicago before 6:31 a.m. and after 9:30 a.m., and on trains departing Chicago before 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m. on weekdays.
(LA GRANGE) A pedestrian was struck by a Metra train Thursday morning on the BNSF line in west suburban La Grange.
Inbound train No. 1208, scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 6:38 a.m., struck a pedestrian about 6:15 a.m. between Gilbert and Brainard avenues in La Grange, according to Metra spokesman Tom Miller.
As of 6:30 a.m., all train movement on the BNSF line was halted east of the Western Springs station at 914 Burlington Ave., the transit agency reported. Extensive delays were anticipated
Miller could not immediately provide information on the pedestrian.
(LAKE COUNTY) A person was struck by a Metra train on the Milwaukee District North line late Monday near the Long Lake station in the northwest suburbs.
Outbound train No. 2155, scheduled to arrive in Fox Lake at 11:19 p.m., was stopped shortly before 11:30 p.m. after it struck the pedestrian near the Long Lake station at Decorah Avenue and Route 134, according to service alerts from Metra.
As of 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, outbound trains were running about 90 minutes behind schedule, while inbound trains were operating normally, the transit agency said.
Additional information was not immediately available.
(CHICAGO) A fare increase for Metra passes takes effect on Wednesday, boosting prices by 25 cents for a one-way ticket, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.
The fare increase will generate $16 million for the transit agency, which gets about half its operating budget from fares. The money from the price boost will be used entirely for capital projects across the Metra system, the agency said. The increased prices will net the agency about 6 percent more in fare revenue.
Metra officials have increased fares in each of the last three years, largely to address what the agency says is a $11.7 billion backlog in capital needs to keep the rail system functioning properly.
The price of a 10-ride ticket will increase by $2.75, and monthly passes will cost $11.57 more. Metra officials have increased fares in each of the last three years. Reduced-fare tickets will increase in price by 25 cents for a one-way ticket, $1.50 for a 10-ride pass and $7.50 for a monthly pass.
(CHICAGO) A 51-year-old man was killed when a Metra train on the Union Pacific-Northwest Line struck a vehicle Thursday morning in the Norwood Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side, authorities said.
Emergency crews were responded about 7:10 a.m. to reports of a train striking a vehicle near Nagle and Northwest Highway, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Jeff Lyle. Details about the crash were not immediately known.
Inbound train No. 610, which was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 7:22 a.m., struck the vehicle, according to a service alert from Metra.
Glen V. Robles, of the 6000 block of West Peterson, was pronounced dead at the scene, Lyle and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy was expected Friday.
A second man was fatally struck by a Metra train Thursday morning in northwest suburban Crystal Lake, the second fatal incident on Metra’s Union Pacific-Northwest Line train in one day.
Inbound train No. 636 struck Grant D. Jacobson, 25, of Crystal Lake, about 10:45 a.m. near the Crystal Lake station at 70 E. Woodstock St., according to Metra and Crystal Lake police.
Jacobson was killed, according to McHenry County Coroner Dr. Anne Majewski. Authorities were called when he was seen walking toward the incoming train as it entered the station. An autopsy was expected Friday.
No foul play was suspected, police said.
UP-Northwest Line trains were still experiencing extensive delays Thursday afternoon, according to Metra’s website. CTA is honoring Metra tickets on the Blue Line from Rosemont into Chicago until further notice.
Earlier Thursday morning, another UP-Northwest train struck a vehicle in the Norwood Park neighborhood on the city’s Northwest Side, shutting down the line for about three hours.
The crash happened about 7:10 a.m. near Nagle and Northwest Highway, according to the Chicago Fire Department. One person was pronounced dead at the scene.
(CHICAGO) One person was killed when a Metra train on the Union Pacific-Northwest Line struck a vehicle Thursday morning in the Norwood Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side, fire officials said.
Emergency crews were responded about 7:10 a.m. to reports of a train striking a vehicle near Nagle and Northwest Highway, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Jeff Lyle. Details about the crash were not immediately known.
Inbound train No. 610, which was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 7:22 a.m., struck the vehicle, according to a service alert from Metra.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, Lyle said. The Cook County medical examiner’s office did not provide information on the fatality.
Trains were halted in both directions near the Gladstone Park station as a result of the crash and Metra was anticipating “extensive delays.”
(CHICAGO) Trains were halted in both directions Thursday morning on Metra’s Union Pacific-Northwest Line after a train hit a vehicle in the Norwood Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side.
Emergency crews were responding at 7:20 a.m. to reports of a train striking a vehicle near Nagle and Northwest Highway, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Details about the crash were not immediately known.
Inbound train No. 610, which was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 7:22 a.m., struck the vehicle, according to a service alert from Metra. Trains were halted in both directions near the Gladstone Park station as a result of the crash and the transit agency was anticipating “extensive delays.”
(CHICAGO) A Metra fare increase will go into effect at the start of February that will raise the annual cost to ride the train by $141 for those buying a monthly pass.
Metra said the fare increases, which take effect Feb. 1, include:
• a 25-cent increase on one-way tickets;
• a $2.75 increase on 10-ride tickets; and
• an $11.75 increase on monthly tickets.
The revenue brought in by the fare increase will be used to generate $16.1 million to fund the transit agency’s backlog of capital improvement projects, things needed to keep trains and stations in good repair, Metra said.
“We understand raising fares will affect our riders, but this increase will be strictly allocated as an investment in our trains and our system,” Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno said in a statement.
Metra said it has less than $300 million to spend on projects annually over the next four years, which is $900 million less than it needs.
(CHICAGO) Metra will add and adjust train schedules on several days for the holiday season.
On Dec. 22, 23, 29 and 30 some lines will have early afternoon departures from downtown stations added to the schedule, according to a statement from Metra. Some normal rush-hour trains will be cancelled on those days.
On New Year’s Eve, Metra will hold the last train of the evening until 1:15 a.m. in order to accommodate those attending Chi-Town Rising and other festivities, Metra said.
For customers traveling during the holidays, the $8 unlimited ride weekend pass will be extended from Dec. 24 until Dec. 26 and from Dec. 31 until Jan. 2, according to Metra. Customers who use the Ventra app to purchase tickets will need to select the Holiday 3-Day Pass or the New Year’s 3-Day Pass.
Up to three children will be able to ride free with an adult from Dec. 17 until Jan. 2, Metra said.
A holiday schedule will be in effect on Christmas Day, New Year’s day and Jan. 2, according to Metra. On those days, there will be no service on North Central Service SouthWestService and Heritage Corridor.
(CHICAGO) A month after Metra Commuters were hit with another fare hike, the Metra board has voted to give Metra CEO Don Orseno a $28,000 raise.
The board voted unanimously to give Orseno a pay bump, calling him overworked and underpaid compared to other big-city transportation executives. The increase means Orseno is now making $317,500 a year. The pay increase is retroactive to October 1.
Orseno’s pay raise comes after board members approved its third fare hike in three years. Fares in 2017 are being increased by an average of 5.8 percent with monthly commuters paying an addition $11.75.
Orseno is a 32-year Metra veteran who was once a locomotive engineer.
(CHICAGO) Additional bus and train service will be provided for the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights this weekend.
On Saturday, the Chicago Transit Authority will operate longer trains on the Blue, Brown, Orange and Pink Lines from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m., according to a statement from CTA. Additional trains will run from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the CTA Red Line.
Several buses will be redounded due to street closures for the festival, which include No. 3 King Drive, No. 4 Cottage Grove, No. 6 Jackson Park Express, No. 22 Clark, No. 36 Broadway, No. 66 Chicago, No. 70, Division, No. 146 Inner Dr./Michigan Express, No. 147 Outer Drive Express and No. 151 Sheridan.
Metra will add more seating capacity and extra service will be provided on the BNSF, Union Pacific Northwest and West lines, according to a statement from Metra.
Metra is expecting Friday, Nov. 4 to be the busiest day in the history of ridership. With the Chicago Cubs parade and rally being held in the city, the public transportation service is adding extra service and capacity the entire day. However, they are saying that they expect all trains to run at full capacity.
2016 CUBS RALLY SERVICE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016
Metra anticipates extremely heavy passenger loading throughout the day. Passengers should expect delays up to 20
minutes on all trains and should plan accordingly. Please note:
• Alcohol and bicycles are banned on all trains for the entire day
• Quiet Car rules will be suspended all day
• Trains may leave downtown earlier than scheduled or express into Chicago due to crowding
• Below is a list of extra service that is subject to change due to ridership demands
• A $5 special fare is available for purchase at ticket windows and the Ventra app
Please check gate boards, metrarail.com, and the Ventra app for up-to-date information and trip details.
BNSF
9660 Ar. 9:07 AM Inbound – Aurora, Rt. 59, Naperville & express to Chicago
9400 Ar. 9:30 AM Inbound – all stops Lisle to Hinsdale (except W. Hinsdale) & express to Chicago
9402 Ar. 9:47 AM Inbound – all stops Western Springs to Chicago (except Congress Pk. & LaVergne)
9562 Ar. 10:15 AM Inbound – all stops Aurora to Downers Grove then express to Chicago
9564 Ar. 11:47 AM Inbound – All stops Fairview to Chicago except W. Hinsdale, Highlands, Congress Pk.
LaVergne & Halsted St.
9401 Lv. 11:50 AM Outbound – express to Downers Grove & all stops to Aurora
9403 Lv. 11:55 AM Outbound – all stops to Fairview Ave except; Halsted St., LaVergne, Congress Pk.
Highlands, & W. Hinsdale
9531 Lv. 12:20 PM Outbound – express to Downers Grove & all stops to Aurora
9405 Lv. 1:00 PM Outbound – express to Downers Grove & all stops to Aurora
9407 Lv. 1:05 PM Outbound – all stops to Fairview Ave except; Halsted St., LaVergne, Congress Pk.
Highlands, & W. Hinsdale
9533 Lv. 1:28 PM Outbound – express to Downers Grove & all stops to Aurora
9535 Lv. 2:25 PM Outbound – express to Naperville & stop at Rt. 59
9539 Lv. 3:10 PM Outbound – express to Naperville & stop at Rt. 59
9543 Lv. 3:50 PM Outbound – express to Naperville & stop at Rt. 59
[CANCEL Train No. 1271]; Train No. 1241 will terminate at Downers Grove. Train No. 1274
will originate out of Downers Grove and will not stop at Aurora
MED
UPX1 Available as needed from Millennium
UPX3 Lv. 2:25 PM stop at 57th, & all stops Kensington to Univ Park
UPX5 Lv. 3:15 PM stop at 57th, & all stops Kensington to Matteson
UPX3 & UPX5 will not stop at Van Buren or Museum Campus/11th St.
[CANCEL Train Nos. 733, 735, and 737]; Train Nos. 753, 755 and 757
will make combined Kensington through Flossmoor stops
HCD
– NORMAL SCHEDULE/NO EXTRA SERVICE
SWS
SX01 Lv. 3:40 PM all stops to Manhattan
[CANCEL Train No. 831 (6:15 PM)]
2016 CUBS SERVICE
MD-N
Two morning inbound trains will be available as needed to accommodate passenger overflow
NX09 Lv. 1:25 PM express to Glenview & all stops to Lake Forest
NX11 Lv. 2:25 PM express to Glenview & all stops to Fox Lake
NX13 Lv. 3:20 PM express to Glenview & all stops to Lake Forest
[CANCEL Train No. 2135 (5:12pm)]
MD-W
Two morning inbound trains will be available as needed to accommodate passenger overflow
WX09 Lv. 1:20 PM express to Bensenville & all stops to Bartlett
WX11 Lv. 2:20 PM express to Bensenville & all stops to Bartlett
WX13 Lv. 3:25 PM express to Bensenville & all stops to Big Timber Road
[CANCEL Train No.2233 (4:55PM)]; Train No. 2235 (5:05 PM) will make all stops
Mont Clare to Elgin
NCS
– NORMAL SCHEDULE/NO EXTRA SERVICE
RID
Three morning inbound trains will be available as needed to accommodate passenger overflow
MX01 Available as needed from LaSalle
MX03 Lv. 2:30 PM express to Blue Island & all stops to Joliet
MX05 Lv. 3:10 PM express to Blue Island & all stops to Joliet
MX07 Lv. 3:40 PM express to Blue Island & all stops to Joliet
[CANCEL INBOUND Train No. 608 (arrive LaSalle St. 7:47AM) & Train No. 302 (arrive
LaSalle 8:42 AM]
UP-N
One morning inbound train will be available as needed to accommodate passenger overflow
KX05 Lv. 2:10 PM express to Wilmette & all stops to Waukegan
One additional unscheduled outbound train will operate as needed from Ogilvie Transportation Center.
UP-NW
One morning inbound train will be available as needed to accommodate passenger overflow
HX05 Lv. 2:00 PM express to Mt. Prospect & all stops to Crystal Lake
Two additional unscheduled outbound trains will operate as needed from Ogilvie Transportation Center.
[CANCEL Train No.635 (4:57 PM)] Train No. 637 (5:06 PM) will make an additional stop at
Palatine.
UP-W
One morning inbound train will be available as needed to accommodate passenger overflow
GX05 Lv. 1:30 PM express to Elmhurst & all stops to La Fox
GX07 Lv. 2:30 PM express to Elmhurst & all stops to La Fox
One additional unscheduled outbound train will operate as needed from Ogilvie Transportation Center.
[CANCEL Train Nos. 49 (5:09 PM) and No. 55 (5:34 PM)] Train No. 21 (7:40 AM) will
depart 10 minutes later at 7:50 AM. Train No. 51 (5:13 PM) will make additional stops at
Lombard and College Ave. Train No. 57 (5:42 PM) will make an additional stop at Oak Park
(CHICAGO) Track work by the Union Pacific Railroad will impact Metra schedules on several lines in November.
Construction schedules will be posted on Metra’s website and will add 10 minutes to the schedules for all midday and most weekend trains, Metra said in a statement.
Work on the Union Pacific North Line to Kenosha is expected to impact commuters most, Metra said. The line has a limited number of places where trains can cross between tracks, meaning trains have to operate on a single track that is longer than the work zone.
Union Pacific plans to replace about 1,500 ties along the line between the Evanston Main Street and Ravinia stations and between Lake Forest and Waukegan, Metra said. Workers will also make repairs to a bridge south of the Ravenswood Station.
On the Union Pacific West Line to Elburn, workers will be working on replacing parts of the railroad’s signal system, Metra said. Track work and repairs on the Salt Creek Bridge in Villa Park that began in October will also continue.
On the Union Pacific Northwest Lines’s McHenry branch, parts of the rail and more than 11,000 ties will be replaced, Metra said.
(ARLINGTON HEIGHTS) Multiple trains on Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line are running behind schedule Tuesday morning after a vehicle got stuck on the tracks in northwest suburban Arlington Heights.
Trains were halted in both directions about 7 a.m. because of a vehicle stuck on the tracks near the Arlington Park station in Arlington Heights, according to a service alert from Metra. All three tracks were blocked, but Union Pacific dispatched a tow truck to remove the vehicle.
As of 9 a.m., inbound and outbound trains were operating with delays ranging from 15 to 35 minutes, Metra said.
By Jen DeSalvo, The John Howell and Ray Stevens Morning Show
DNAinfo Chicago is reporting that fans heading to the World Series games in Wrigleyville may be paying upwards of $300 to park! Keeping in mind that there is no commercial parking lot like there is at Soldier Field, the United Center or Guaranteed Rate Field (reminder: that’s the new name of where the White Sox play), it is fairly difficult to find any parking, let alone cheap parking.
Most street parking in Lakeview falls under permit parking, and without a 383 pass, a car will be ticketed and towed. Residents oftentimes have an extra parking space which they are willing to rent to an out-of-town Cubs fan, but those spaces come at a premium.
The best options come from the city’s reliable public transit systems such as the CTA and Metra. Information directly from those agencies can be found below.
Chicago Cubs fans, whether you are lucky enough to have tickets to the weekend games or just want to enjoy the experience around the ballpark, take Metra and CTA and avoid the traffic and cost of parking. Buy tickets right from your smartphone too, with the Ventra App, including the Saturday and Sunday unlimited ride $8 Weekend Pass. Please remember that all departing times from the city will leave on regular scheduled service, so plan accordingly.
Directions to Wrigley Field from Chicago Union Station:
Walk six blocks east to the CTA Red Line (State Street Subway). Take Red Line trains going north to the Addison stop, just steps from the ballpark, or
Board a CTA bus to the CTA Red Line (State Street Subway): No. 1 Bronzeville/Union Station or No. 151 Sheridan at the Union Station Transit Center, located along Jackson Blvd. between Canal Street and Clinton Street just south of Union Station. Take Red Line train going north to the Addison stop.
Directions to Wrigley Field from Ogilvie Transportation Center:
Walk six blocks east to the CTA Red Line (State Street Subway). Take the Red Line north to Addison, or
Board a CTA bus to the CTA Red Line (State Street Subway): No. 20 Madison, No. 56 Milwaukee or No. J14 Jeffery Jump to connect to the State Street Subway. Take the Red Line north to Addison.
Directions to Wrigley Field from Millennium and Van Buren Street Stations:
Walk two blocks west to State Street to take the Red Line to Addison.
Directions to Wrigley Field from Metra’s UP Northwest Irving Park Station:
Board CTA bus No. 80 Irving Park to Clark Street.
Directions to Wrigley Field from Metra’s Milwaukee North Grayland Station:
Walk south on Kilbourn Avenue to Addison Street. Take CTA bus No. 152 Addison east to the ballpark.
Directions to Wrigley Field from Metra’s UP North Line Davis Street Station:
Walk one block east to the CTA Davis Station. Board a Howard-bound Purple Line train to Howard and then transfer to a 95th-bound Red Line train to Addison.
Directions to Wrigley Field from Metra’s Rock Island Line:
Get off at the 35th Street/”Lou” Jones Station. Walk to the CTA Red Line and take the train going north to the Addison stop.
For additional schedule information, contact Metra Passenger Services at 312-322-6777 or call the RTA Travel Information Center at 836-7000.
CTA Options
Trains
Red Line The ballpark is just a half block west of the Addison stop on the CTA Red Line.
To get to the Addison stop from the south (including downtown), take a Red Line train toward Howard. From the north, take a Red Line train toward 95th.
The ballpark is also just a couple of blocks south of the Sheridan stop on the CTA Red Line.
Purple Line Express
Before weekday night games, rather than run express from Howard to Belmont, regular Loop-bound Purple Line Express trains will make an additional stop at Sheridan.
Linden-bound Purple Line Express trains will not make special stops at Sheridan. Purple Line Express service operates only during weekday rush periods. For service back north after the game, use the Red Line from Addison or Sheridan (where you can transfer to Purple Line local service and Yellow Line trains at Howard).
Buses
You can also use CTA bus routes #8 Halsted, #22 Clark or #152 Addison(connects to the Brown and Blue lines) to get to, or within a few blocks of, Wrigley Field.
Screens providing real-time information to travelers will be installed at Metra stations in Chicago and the suburbs through 2017. | Photo provided by Metra
(CHICAGO) Downtown and suburban Metra stations have been selected to get outdoor, high-definition screens that will provide travelers with information in real time through a new pilot program.
The 55-inch screens will give travelers information about train arrivals, service alerts, weather and emergency information like Amber Alerts, according to a statement from Metra. Clear Channel Outdoor will provide advertising on the screens through 2021.
In Chicago, the screens will be installed at the LaSalle Street Station, Millennium Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center, Metra said. Another 22 suburban stations will also get the screens. Installation was expected to continue through 2017.
As of 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday, tracks #9 and #11 continue to be out of service through the morning commute. Track #13 has been re-opened and is back in service.
Amtrak, the organization that runs Union Station operations, is working to restore tracks #9 and #11.
Milwaukee West, Milwaukee North and North Central service are affected.
(CHICAGO) Metra Electric trains were running again after a power outage halted the line just outside of Chicago on the South Side Tuesday morning.
Metra was notified of the outage at 8:20 a.m. after inbound and outbound trains lost power between the Museum Campus and Van Buren stations, according to Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile. Trains began moving again about 9:05 a.m.
The power outage is still under investigation, Reile said, but a broken piece of equipment in a signal station was believed to be the cause. In all, eight Metra Electric and two South Shore trains were held due to the outage.
Delays are expected to continue for several hours as trains run at a reduced speed on the line, Reile said.
It’s technically the end of summer in Chicago with the beaches shutting down promptly on Monday night, and CPS going back in session come Tuesday. It’s usually a pretty busy weekend at the Chicago beaches, but here are some water sports to get in before the summer comes to an end!
Kayak Chicago at Montrose Beach, North Avenue Beach and the Chicago River https://kayakchicago.com
Kayak and Standup Paddleboard rentals
SUP classes and Lake tours
Chicago SUP at North Avenue Beach and Diversey Harbor http://www.chicagosup.com/
SUP Lessons, group outings, yoga
The Great American Lobster Fest
Date: Friday, September 2 – Saturday, September 3
Time: Noon to 10:00 p.m. on Friday
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday
Location: Navy Pier
Info from the website: The Great American Lobster Fest is the Midwest’s largest Lobster and seafood festival. We’re returning for our 3rd year to Chicago’s legendary Navy Pier on Labor Day Weekend! September 2nd and 3rd 2016, summer’s last hurrah! Enjoy live lobster flown in fresh from the cold waters of the East Coast, live music performances, family-friendly games and activities, unique craft shopping, and cold beverages. What’s not to love!?
Not a lobster fan? Not to worry, many other great food options will be available including Steak, Surf & Turf Options, and more!
The Great American Lobster Fest is an all-ages, family friendly event.
Naperville Last Fling
Friday, September 2 – Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 3 – Gates open at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 4 – Gates open at 2:30 p.m.
Monday, September 5 – Gates open at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Naperville
Sponge, Lit, Everclear, Sugar Ray…and that is just on Sunday!
From the website: The Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling is a family-friendly community festival which takes place over Labor Day Weekend in and around Downtown Naperville and, for many, is a fun way to say farewell to summer! The Last Fling offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages to enjoy including national and local musicians on two stages, Family Fun Land, a carnival, unique special events, a business expo and a few running events.
Windy City Dub Fest
Date: Saturday, September 3
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Lake County Fairgrounds
Windy City Dub Fest® 2016 will be held on Saturday, September 3rd, 2016 from Noon to 6pm CST at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Spectator Tickets and Show Registration are now available for purchase online. More information at the event website.
The Loop Luau!
Date: Friday, September 2
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Northerly Island
Visit http://www.wlup.com/loop-luau-2016/ for more info and tickets.
Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, 200 local Illinois law enforcement agencies are urging motorists to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
From the Illinois Department of Transportation:
“A high number of fatal traffic crashes on Illinois roads occur late at night, with an unacceptable amount involving drinking and motorists failing to buckle up, especially during the busy holiday travel periods,” said Priscilla Tobias, director of IDOT’s Office of Program Development. “Please, if you are on the road over the Labor Day weekend, drive sober and buckle up.”
Statistics show during last year’s Labor Day weekend (from 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7) 13 people lost their lives in crashes.
Three of those fatalities involved a driver who tested positive for alcohol in their system.
“State police will be out in force with local law enforcement to get drunk drivers off the road during the Labor Day weekend,” said ISP Col. Tad Williams. “Troopers will show zero tolerance for impaired driving and seat belt law violators. Designate a driver before going out, and always buckle up,”
Here are some important safety tips:
– Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
– Use your community’s designated driver program.
– If you are with someone who is impaired, do not let them drive.
– If you are impaired: Call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
– Promptly report impaired drivers, pull over to a safe location and dial 911.
– Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Labor Day crackdown began Monday, Aug. 22, and continues through the early morning hours of Tuesday, Sept. 6. It is administered by IDOT and supported by ISP local law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois.
WISDOT news release: Labor Day enforcement & travel
State Patrol will significantly increase enforcement during Labor Day weekend Construction on most major highways will be suspended for the holiday The Labor Day holiday period from Friday through Monday has been deadly on Wisconsin roads with an average of eight traffic fatalities during the last five years. Moreover, traffic fatalities so far this year are about 8 percent higher than the same period last year.To prevent deaths and injuries over the Labor Day holiday period, the Wisconsin State Patrol will use all of its available resources for high-visibility traffic safety enforcement to get motorists to buckle up, obey speed limits, drive sober, and eliminate distractions.“Every State Patrol region will be participating in special emphasis details during the upcoming holiday period to increase voluntary compliance with traffic laws, not to write more tickets,” says Lt. Col. J.D. Lind. “We’ve identified times and locations with high crash rates, and we’re concentrating our resources on those targeted areas. Our Air Support Unit pilots will be flying missions to watch for traffic violations especially speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving. Our commercial motor vehicle inspectors will be focusing on violations of truck safety laws, including speed limits on highway corridors, and will intently monitor traffic traveling near large trucks. Many of our high-visibility patrols throughout the state will be announced in advance on WisDOT Twitter. (@WisconsinDOT, #WisDOT) to motivate motorists to make responsible decisions.”To minimize travel disruptions during the Labor Day weekend, most major highway construction projects will be suspended from about noon on Friday, Sept. 2 until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6. However, drivers may still encounter lane restrictions and traffic delays in highway work zones, according to Beth Cannestra of the WisDOT Bureau of Project Development.“To prevent crashes, drivers must slow down, pay attention and not tailgate when approaching and traveling through work zones. Rear-end collisions caused primarily by speeding, distracted driving and following other vehicles too closely are the most frequent type of crash in work zones,” Cannestra says.
“When you see orange cones, put down your phone,” she says. “To help prevent distracted driving, a new state law taking effect Oct. 1 makes it illegal to talk on a handheld mobile device while driving in a work zone.”
Traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the holiday period especially from about noon until 8 p.m. on both Friday, Sept. 2, and Monday, Sept. 5.
CTA and Public Transit Weekend Alerts
On Sunday, Sep 4, updated schedules will go into effect for several bus routes. Most routes continue to have the same frequency and span of service, but arrival times may change up to a few minutes. For a copy of the new timetable brochure for any route, see the Advance Timetables page or call 1-888-YOUR-CTA.
It’s the last weekend for the #10 Museum of Science & Industry Revised Service Period — this bus only runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Metra – This weekend Metra will offer special early departure schedules for the holiday weekend.
From the Metrarail.com website: Most of these schedules include extra service prior to the regular 5 p.m. start of the rush hour, with the cancellation or modification of some later rush hour train schedules. A summary of the early departure schedules can be found here.
“Summer’s gone by too fast and we want to make it easy to squeeze in as much extra fun as possible this holiday weekend,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “Expanding our $8 Weekend Pass to include Labor Day, plus the fact that kids 11 and under can ride free, make Metra the most affordable choice for Labor Day weekend fun in the city.”
The Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park, fireworks at Navy Pier and the North Coast Music Fest at Union Park are just a few of the many events to enjoy in the city over Labor Day weekend. Metra’s $8 Weekend Pass allows unlimited rides anywhere on our system. The pass, which is normally sold on Saturdays and Sundays, will also be available for travel on the Monday holiday.
On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5, Metra will operate all services on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Metra SouthWest Service, Heritage Corridor and North Central Service trains will not operate on Labor Day. Alcohol restrictions will also be in effect and no alcohol will be allowed onboard Metra trains after 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1 and Friday, Sept. 2 and all day Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4.
(CHICAGO) A Metra train on the Union Pacific North Line was struck by lightning Tuesday morning in the Rogers Park neighborhood on the North Side.
Outbound train No. 309, scheduled to arrive in Kenosha at 8:18 a.m., was stopped shortly before 7:30 a.m. when it was struck by lightning, causing a mechanical failure near the Rogers Park Station, 7000 N. Ravenswood Ave., according to an alert from Metra.
The duration of the delay was not immediately known.
Outbound train No. 311, scheduled to arrive in Winnetka at 7:18 a.m., was also stopped in the area, according to the transit agency. Also, all inbound trains were operating up to 15 minutes behind scheduled due to signal failure caused by the lightning strike.
Metra spokesman Tom Miller said no injuries were reported.
Customers were urged to listen to platform announcements for the location of trains or refer to Track Your Train for current delay information.
(CHICAGO) Riders can expect delays on Metra’s BNSF Line for the next three weeks as the transit agency works to replace more than 10,000 ties along nearly 23 miles of railroad.
The project, which started Saturday and will last until Sept. 16, will replace worn ties between Roosevelt Road in Chicago and west suburban Lisle, according to a statement from Metra.
While most of the work will occur at night to minimize the impact on train service, speed restrictions in the constructions zones will cause delays of five to 10 minutes for some rush hour and evening trains, Metra said.
The work is part of an approximately $1.5 million Metra construction program which includes about $200 million in infrastructure improvements to 27 stations, 21 bridges and 24 road crossings in addition to the replacement of 120,000 rail ties, Metra said.
“This is the type of maintenance that must be done on a continual basis so that we can maintain the track speeds and service levels our customers rely upon,” Metra Executive Director and CEO Don Orseno said in the statement.
(CHICAGO) A pedestrian was fatally struck by a Metra train late Wednesday in the Northwest Side Forest Glen neighborhood, according to the transit agency.
The person was struck by an inbound Milwaukee District North train about 11:30 p.m. near the Forest Glen station, 5310 N. Forest Glen Ave., a Metra spokeswoman said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office could not confirm the death early Thursday.
The inbound train was stopped for about 2 hours, according to Metra. The last outbound train departed 90 minutes late.
