Metra UP North bridge project postponed

Feedback from riders and communities along the Union Pacific North line regarding recent schedule changes has prompted Metra to postpone the project to rebuild 22 bridges on the line until next spring and reinstate the line's original schedule with a two-track operation starting Sunday, Oct. 3.

Metra changed the UP North
schedule on August 22 in order to accommodate an unprecedented plan to use a
single track for inbound and outbound trains in the construction zone. Metra
would not normally have taken the drastic step of using a single track, but
that approach is more economical than trying to maintain a two-track operation
and the agency felt our limited resources required us to attempt to make it
work.

"But while we made a
good-faith effort to use that approach, our riders made it clear that the new
schedule was not meeting their needs," Metra said in a press release. "And
while we tried to address that schedule’s deficiencies, it was not possible to
fix the problems in one area without adversely affecting other areas. We will now revert to the schedule that had been in
use before August 22. And we are exploring engineering options that provide for
maintaining a two-track operation when construction resumes in the spring."

"We appreciate our riders’
feedback and we have listened to their comments," Metra Chairman Carole Doris
said. "We firmly believe that the quality of service and ease of travel to our
passengers is paramount, and thus we are going back to the schedule that best
fits the needs of our passengers. We know our attempt to operate on a single
track has been difficult, and we apologize to our riders for the problems."

The $185-million project
calls for replacing 22 aging bridges on the north side of Chicago between
Fullerton and Balmoral. While construction is on hold, Metra will vigorously
monitor each bridge and make repairs when needed. The project also includes a
new Ravenswood Station, which will feature longer, partially covered platforms,
warming shelters, improved lighting, a ticket office, vendor space and ramps
and stairs.

Ald. Gene Schulter (47th),
who has been meeting with Metra for more than a year to provide input on the
design the new Ravenswood Station and address the concerns of his constituents,
said he would continue the dialogue.

"I will continue to work
with Metra to ensure that not only the best service is provided to all of the
UP North Line riders but that the project meets the needs and interests of the
residents of the Ravenswood community," he said.

Metra will begin making
onboard announcements about the change to the schedule on UP North trains Sept.
30, and the reinstated schedule is available online and at UP North stations.