NORMAL - Traffic was at a standstill in several areas around Uptown Normal Monday evening following the first day of classes at Illinois State University as a result of malfunctioning railway crossing arms.

Between roughly 5 and 6 p.m., the rail arms at three intersections remained in the down position, causing traffic to back up and forcing motorists to turn around or attempt to go around the crossing arms.

The three affected crossings were at University Street and Beaufort, Linden and Beaufort, and the College Avenue crossing near the intersection with Mulberry Street.

Normal police said they had called Amtrak, which is responsible for the operation of those crossings.

As of 6:15 p.m., the crossings were operating normally.