No trains are running on the Metra Southwest Service line after a freight train derailed early Wednesday morning. <\/p>\n
It could take a couple days to clean up the mess in Chicago Ridge. According to police, the train derailed near Ridgeland Avenue and Central Avenue. No injuries were reported. <\/p>\n
Heavy equipment has been working at the scene for hours as of Wednesday afternoon; they’ve even had to clear away some trees to get to the derailed cars. <\/p>\n
Two train crossings are closed as of Wednesday evening, and officials expect it’s more likely that the crossing at Ridgeland Avenue and 102nd Place will be the first to reopen. <\/p>\n
“107th and Central Ave., which is located in Oak Lawn will be down for a couple of days. There’s some road damage there as the train did come off the tracks there and start pulling roadway up there,” said Oak Lawn Fire Chief David Wheeler.<\/p>\n
People who live nearby said they heard the derailment this morning.<\/p>\n
“I didn’t know what it was. I thought it was an accident. I looked outside and I didn’t see anything, so I just assumed it might be a derailment,” said neighbor Bruce Greinke. <\/p>\n
About a dozen cars went off the track. <\/p>\n
CBS Chicago traffic reporter Kris Habermehl recommends commuters use the Rock Island and Heritage Corridor as alternate Metra routes.<\/p>\n
Ridgeland Avenue remains closed between Southwest Highway and Washington Street. Central Avenue is closed at the railroad tracks between 107th Street and Pleasant. <\/p>\n
Chicago Ridge Mayor John “Jack” Lind said he was contacted immediately by local officials after the derailment. <\/p>\n
“Since our town is basically landlocked by train tracks, they have been more than helpful, and they are doing their best to clear the tracks. <\/p>\n
Lind said the tracks will be closed for an “indeterminate amount of time.” <\/p>\n
It was not immediately clear when Metra service to and from Chicago Ridge would resume. Commuters should plan alternate routes and check Metra.com<\/a> for updates.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n