News & Reviews News Wire Metra gears up summer construction work

Metra gears up summer construction work

By Trains Staff | May 3, 2023

| Last updated on February 5, 2024

Stations, including 13 on Electric District, are focal point of 2023 capital plans

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Commuter train passes green maintenance of way machinery
A Metra Milwaukee North train passes maintenance-of-way equipment at Deerfield, Ill., in April 2020. Metra has begun its 2023 construction program. David Lassen

CHICAGO — Improvement projects at 28 stations highlight Metra’s construction plans. The Chicago-area commuter operator began its construction season in April and will continue projects through the fall, weather permitting.

Nearly a quarter of Metra’s $119.5 million in capital spending for 2023 is focused on rebuilding or refurbishing station facilities, part of a five-year plan that includes projects for about 20% of the system’s 242 stations (soon to be 244, with two under construction.)

“Clean, modern, and accessible passenger facilities are an integral part of a good customer experience and create a welcoming gateway to a community,” Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski said in a press release. “For that reason, our capital plans over the next several years are focused on investments in stations across the Metra system.”

Nearly half the station projects, a total of 13, are part of the Metra Electric District Community Initiative. Seven stations are receiving makeovers including accessibility features such as elevators.

Other projects on tap include increased bicycle parking at 17 stations, work at 24 grade crossings, and track work including replacement of nearly 210,00 ties and at least 7,500 feet of rail.

Some projects will require modification of train schedules. Those schedules and information on dates when they will be in effect are available here.

One thought on “Metra gears up summer construction work

  1. Note the focus on Metra Electric. Modern, comfortable fast trains pulling into stations from a century ago, before anyone ever heard of access to the disabled.

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