Train Off Tracks in Cedar Rapids Blocks Traffic on Several Streets

By Sam Lane, Reporter

(Sam Lane/KCRG)

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jun 19, 2012 at 5:09 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 19, 2012 at 5:09 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - A train off the tracks in southwest Cedar Rapids has two streets blocked.

Officials are on the scene of the derailed train, which is preventing cars on 2nd and 3rd Streets SW from passing over the tracks.

The site of the derailment is on the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City railroad, parallel to 8th Avenue SW, directly underneath the I-380 bridge. Crews are waiting for the arrival of a crane capable of getting underneath the bridge and putting the train back on its tracks. Officials expect to have the train moving in an hour or two.

The train’s cars, which usually carry food products, were empty and didn’t cause any injuries.