Metra, the commuter railroad in the Chicago metropolitan area, will begin major tie replacement and track resurfacing work on August 22 on the Metra Electric Line to University Park. The total cost of the project is $1.5 million.
The project will include replacing 10,000 ties and resurfacing track over a nearly 17-mile stretch of the Metra Electric mainline between Kensington/115th Street and University Park. In addition, six switches will be replaced at its Richton Park Yard and rail will be replaced at Randolph Street and 18th Street.
“Projects like these are the foundation of reliable service,” said Don Orseno, Metra executive director and CEO. “Keeping to a regular schedule of track maintenance allows us to continue to provide service at the speeds and levels our customers expect.”
Construction schedules for midday and weekend trains will be in effect from August 22 through Octber 1 on the Electric Line. Additional construction schedules may be issued through the end of October until the work is completed.
Crews will be working seven days a week, with most of the work occurring between the weekday morning and evening rush hours and on the weekends to minimize impacts to passenger service.