In a recent announcement, Chicago's iconic commuter rail system, Metra, revealed an ambitious and expansive building plan to transform the city's transportation landscape this year.
With a projected expenditure of multiple million dollars, this forward-thinking project emphasizes reliability and security and reshapes the commuter experience.
(Photo : Pexels/Najman Husaini )
Metra's Budget on the Rehabilitation
As of April 3, officials reported that 35 of Metra's 242 stations are slated to undergo enhancements. Notably, several stations along the Rock Island Line are planned to receive the installation of ticket dispensing machines and new information signage on platforms. Reconstruction improvements are intended to be carried out at both the 107th Street and the 115th Street stations on the Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line. A renovation project will also be carried out on the parking lot of the 115th Street station.
As mentioned, stations located along the Blue Island Branch of the Metra Electric Line will be repainted. The Vermont Street station on the Rock Island Line is another stop planned for platform reconstruction this year. New bicycle racks will be constructed at the stations located at 91st, 99th, and 103rd streets to accommodate commuters who ride their bicycles to their train station.
Moreover, a total of $332.4 million is set aside for construction projects within Metra's capital program for 2024, which consists of $81.6 million for the rehabilitation of stations and parking lots, $22 million for the upkeep of tracks, $140.7 million for the construction of bridges, $6.4 million for the replacement of rail crossings, and $66.2 million for the maintenance and upgrades of signal electrical and communications systems. Earlier capital plans or municipalities and Metra's freight railroad partners funded some of this release's projects.
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Other List of Development in Chicago
Track Improvements
The railroad ties that Metra and its partners intend to replace this year total roughly 129,000. There will be a replacement of 32,000 ties on the Rock Island Line, and another 20,000 ties will be substituted on the SouthWest Service. As stated, the UP North Line will have 40,000 ties replaced, while the UP Northwest Line will have 37,000 ties replaced across the board. As part of the Rockford expansion, preparations are also being made for adding a fourth track to the Metra Electric Line and connecting the Milwaukee West Line to the Union Pacific Belvidere subdivision.
Road Crossing Improvements
By 2024, Metra and its partners intend to upgrade 35 road crossings across the system. The Rock Island Line will have four crossings, the SouthWest Service will have two crossings, the Milwaukee District North Line will have three, and the Milwaukee District West Line will have three. Also, electrified pedestrian barriers will be upgraded at specific locations, and five Metra Electric Line crossings and five BNSF Line crossings will be replaced. It plans to rebuild thirteen crossings located on Union Pacific lines.
Bridge Improvements
On the Milwaukee District North Line, Metra will reportedly complete the construction of a new bridge that will span Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, close to the Grayland Station. Aging bridges will be replaced at Stony Creek in Chicago Ridge, Milwaukee District North Line, and Ingleside, SouthWest Service. On the Rock Island Line in Joliet, rehabilitation efforts are scheduled for the Hickory Creek Bridge.
Signals and Communication
The 123-year-old 16th Street Tower on the Rock Island Line will be replaced by the Signal Department of Metra in the year 2024. Along the Metra Electric Line, it will additionally construct new control stations and modernize the facilities in preparation for the extension of the NICTD South Shore. The Milwaukee District is slated to undergo signal enhancements, including a venture to improve the signal systems connecting Canal Street to the A-2 interlocking in Chicago. Accordingly, signals will be modified at Lake Forest, which is located on the Milwaukee District North Line.
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