File Photo – Metra | Photo via Metra

Metra says all train service is anticipated to now run normally in the Chicagoland area after a tentative deal was reached with freight workers, avoiding a nationwide strike.

Metra said Wednesday that cancelations on the BNSF, Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific West lines were expected to begin Thursday evening.

Both BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad, which own and operate the lines, were expected to begin curtailing service after the evening rush hour Thursday in preparation for the potential work stoppage.

President Joe Biden said Thursday that a tentative railway labor agreement had been reached, averting a strike, the AP reported.

Union representatives and railroad companies had been in negotiations for 20 hours at the Labor Department Wednesday.

Union workers will vote on the tentative agreement after a post-ratification cooling-off period of several weeks, the AP reported.

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“We are greatly relieved that we will be able to continue to provide the safe and reliable service that you deserve and that you rely upon,” Metra said in a statement.

“Please accept our apologies for this week of uncertainty and anxiety, and our thanks for your patience and understanding,” the statement said.

The late Thursday evening trains that had been canceled by BNSF and Union Pacific in anticipation of a strike will now run as scheduled.

Amtrak said they are working to restore canceled trains quickly and are reaching out directly to impacted customers to accommodate them on first available departures.