March 12--South Shore Line rail service has been suspended to and from Chicago Saturday after a train derailed in Michigan City in Indiana.
Officials said service may be out the entire day as they tried to re-rail the train.
The derailment occurred as a passenger train was being moved into position for revenue service. The train wasn't carrying any passengers, and no one was injured, John Parsons, of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, said in a news release Saturday morning.
While the trains are suspended, Metra's Electric District Line will accept South Shore tickets.
Parsons said the derailment damaged overhead wire and track, and crews are working on repairs to restore service as quickly as possible.
This comes as thousands are expected to flock to the city Saturday to watch the dyeing of the Chicago River, an annual tradition dating to 1962 that marks the St. Patrick's Day holiday. The boats responsible for turning the murky water a bright green will be in the water by 9 a.m. when the dyeing is expected to start, kicking off the city's celebration. The event begins at the DuSable Bridge along Michigan Avenue.
Commuters should check www.nictd.com for updates.
