Metra plans tie, switch projects on Milwaukee District Lines; readies Englewood Flyover for expansion

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Chicagoland's Metra will perform tie replacement and switch replacement along its Milwaukee District Lines this spring.

 

“Tracks, ties and switches are the foundation of the railroad,” said Metra Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno. “These maintenance projects are key components of our ability to provide our customers with safe and reliable service. In addition to keeping our railroad safe, replacing worn ties has the added benefit of providing our riders with a smoother, more comfortable ride.”

In April, Metra will replace approximately 5,000 ties on the inbound track of the Milwaukee District North Line between Libertyville and North Glenview. Work on this portion of the tie project is expected to be completed by May 1. Beginning in May through mid-June, Metra will be working over all three tracks along a five-mile stretch from Canal Street to Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood to replace approximately 10,000 ties.

Projects to replace switches and rail crossovers at key points along both the Milwaukee District North and West lines will also take place over the spring and summer months. Metra also plans to replace seven rail crossings along the Milwaukee District West Line and rehab the Mayfair and Grayland stations. On the Milwaukee District North Line, Metra will be resurfacing the platforms, as well as renewing fencing and railings at the Deerfield Station.

In other news, Metra is readying for the expansion of its Englewood Flyover bridge, a new rail bridge over the Dan Ryan and over a set of Norfolk Southern freight tracks that opened last fall and has eliminated conflicts between Metra trains on the Rock Island Line and freight and Amtrak trains on the NS tracks.

This year’s phase involves tearing down the old railroad bridge and widening the new bridge with a new bay to provide for future expansion on the Rock Island Line.

 

 

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