DOWNTOWN — Metra is "bracing" for what's expected to be a very snowy and cold winter.
Experts are saying more than 50 inches of snow could fall on Chicago this year (normally, the city only gets around 37 inches). That means Metra is getting a lot of salt (63,000 bags!) and testing out its snow plows to get ready.
“Snow, ice and cold temperatures make winter travel a challenge for everyone in Chicago – including Metra,” said Don Orseno, Metra's executive director and CEO, in a news release. “We are bracing for a challenging snow season and have taken all the steps we can to be ready for winter’s bite.”
RELATED: With 50+ Inches Of Snow Expected This Winter, Here's How To Prepare
Here are some of the ways Metra has prepared:
• Metra's sitting on more than 3.1 million pounds of salt that it will use to cover platforms and other areas.
• Metra had three cold-air blowers that use a 525 mph blast to get rid of snow and ice. It also has five hot-air jet blowers. These can travel over roads or on the rails and are used to clear the "largest and most critical yards" to prevent delays.
• Metra has 45 snow plows, and it's tested them.
• Employees have inspected some doors for defects, corrosion and other problems. Metra said gaps in the door pockets can fill with fine snow, and that snow can turn into ice that jams the doors.
• Metra can implement "snow schedules" when the weather is extreme. Those schedules include 75-80 percent of regularly scheduled trains, but if you're worried your train will change then you can sign up for Metra email alerts or check out Metra's website.
RELATED: 'Snowpocalypse' Incoming? Winter 2017 To Be Super Snowy, Cold ... And Long
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