Amtrak Bridge Malfunction Disrupts Metra Service in Chicago

Stuck bridge in Pilsen neighborhood causes delays for commuters on Heritage Corridor line

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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An Amtrak bridge in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood became stuck in the air on Monday, leading to disruptions in Metra commuter rail service out of Union Station. The South Branch Bridge, which crosses the Chicago River, malfunctioned, forcing the suspension of service on the Heritage Corridor line that runs between Union Station and Joliet.

Why it matters

The Heritage Corridor line is a key transportation link for commuters traveling between Chicago and the southwestern suburbs. The bridge issue has caused significant delays and inconvenience for passengers who rely on this service to get to and from work and other destinations.

The details

According to Metra officials, the South Branch Bridge became stuck in the open position on Monday afternoon, preventing trains from crossing. This led to the suspension of service on the Heritage Corridor line, which makes stops in Willow Springs, Lemont, Romeoville and Lockport. Train No. 915 was forced to reverse back into Union Station due to the bridge problem.

  • The bridge issue occurred on Monday, March 9, 2026 in the afternoon.

The players

Metra

The commuter rail agency that operates the Heritage Corridor line and other rail services in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Amtrak

The national passenger rail service that owns and operates the South Branch Bridge in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, which became stuck and disrupted Metra service.

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What’s next

Metra and Amtrak officials are working to resolve the issue with the stuck bridge and restore service on the Heritage Corridor line as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of reliable infrastructure and coordination between different transportation agencies to ensure smooth commuting for passengers. The disruption to Metra service underscores the need for continued investment and maintenance of critical transportation assets in the Chicago region.