Metra, the operator of the Northeast Illinois commuter rail system, is beginning the $3 million renovation of the Calumet Station. The station, at Park Avenue and 174th Street in East Hazel Crest, serves approximately 1,200 Metra customers each weekday.
The construction will limit access to portions of the station for the next year.
“We look forward to seeing work begin on the Calumet Station renovation, which is one of the most significant projects Metra will complete as part of our 2016 construction program,” said Metra Executive Director Don Orseno. “By the project’s completion, riders and the community will have the renewed station and gateway they deserve.”
John Burns Construction Co. of Orland Park will do the work, which will include renovating the station buildings and warming houses, rebuilding the platforms, renovating the elevator, replacing the stairs at both ends of the station, adding new platform lighting and repairing masonry. The station will remain open during construction.
The Calumet Station renovation project is part of Metra’s 2016 construction program, which includes approximately $200 million in infrastructure improvements to 27 stations, 21 bridges and 24 road crossings and the replacement of 120,000 railroad ties.
The north entrance and the north half of the platform at the Calumet Station will be out of service for approximately six months so riders of the Metra Electric Line should use the south entrance to access the in-service portion of the platform. The station will not be ADA accessible during this portion of construction. Commuters requiring ADA assistance should use the Harvey or Homewood stations.
After the north entrance and platform are completed, the south entrance and platform will be out of service for approximately six months.