Northstar Commuter Rail Service Postponed

FRIDLEY (AP) - Metro Transit officials have delayed the resumption of Northstar commuter rail service because damage caused by a weekend freight train derailment in Fridley is taking longer to repair.

Earlier reports from Metro Transit had service resuming this morning, but the company says that's not going to happen. Buses are replacing trains and will take customers from four of five Northstar stations to Target Field, including Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka and the Coon Rapids/Riverdale stations.

Fridley station remains closed for all morning and afternoon commuter trips today.

Metro Transit hasn't yet said whether the tracks will be ready for the afternoon commute. If not, buses will be used again.

Seventeen railcars and two locomotives derailed and damaged a bridge in Fridley on Saturday.

Ongoing updates are available at www.metrotransit.org.