New Metra station awarded Illinois funds

A new Metra station at 79th Street in the Chicago neighborhood of Auburn Park-Gresham received a $21.5-million boost in state funds. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced the funds Oct. 11 and is part of the governor's agenda to create jobs and build infrastructure to drive the state's economy forward.

“We need to ensure residents and visitors on the South Side of Chicago have every opportunity to ride the Metra,” Gov. Quinn said. “This new station will be accessible to everyone and make it easier to live and work in the Chicago area. The project will also improve our transportation infrastructure, reduce congestion on our highways and create jobs.”

The new Auburn Park Station at 79th Street will increase transit accessibility and commuter ridership for the neighborhood and help reduce congestion on the nearby Dan Ryan Expressway. The project will include two eight-car asphalt platforms, platform lighting, elevator access to the platforms, heated stairs and ramps, sheltered passenger warming facilities on both platforms and two stair and elevator operation towers.

The work will also involve track improvements, retaining wall and viaduct improvements, visual information and station signs, an entry plaza with landscaping, bicycle parking facilities and a parking lot with a “kiss and ride” area. Ground will be broken on the 79th Street Station project in early 2016.