Metra begins Pullman Station improvements; approves funds for Calumet renovation

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Chicago's Metra started work in June on a project to revitalize its 111th Street/Pullman Station on the Metra Electric Line.

 

Planned improvements include replacement of the warming house, replacement of platform deck boards and removal of the unused portion of the platform, replacement of the stairway to the platform and repair or replacement of the roof over the stairway. The project will also include other cosmetic improvements such as painting.

“The 111th St. Station is a gateway to the Pullman National Monument and we are pleased to be able to move forward with this important rehabilitation work this year,” said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno. “And, as a member the steering committee for the ongoing Pullman Transportation Plan, we hope to be able to do even more to help promote travel to this historic site.”

Beginning June 18 and continuing for two weeks, the north half of the platform will be out of service for rehabilitation. After completing the north half, the work will shift to the south half of the platform for approximately four weeks. All work is expected to be completed in August.

Additionally, Metra approved a $3 million contract to fully renovate the Calumet Station on the Metra Electric Line.

John Burns Construction Co. of Orland Park was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for contracted work that will include renovation of 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.

“This is one of the most significant station renovation projects we will be doing at Metra this year and we are excited to have a contractor on board to begin this work,” said Orseno. “We look forward to a new facility that will serve as a welcoming gateway to Metra and to the nearby community for many years to come.”

Calumet Station, at Park Avenue and 174th Street in East Hazel Crest, serves about 1,200 Metra customers each weekday. Work will begin later this summer and is expected to take about one year to complete and will remain open.

Both station projects are 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 to ensure safe and reliable service and maintain a state of good repair systemwide.

 

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