Grayland Station is now open on Metra, and Agency Dedicates New Bridge Over Milwaukee Avenue
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
A rendering of the Milwaukee Bridge/Grayland Station from Metra.
CHICAGO –– This week, Metra and local officials gathered to celebrate the reconstruction of Grayland Station and the replacement of an adjacent bridge over Milwaukee Avenue on the North Side of Chicago which had been in service since 1899.
The bridge replacement was urgently needed due to traffic it handles, which includes Metra, Amtrak, CPKC, and Wisconsin Southern. The deteriorating condition of the bridge had become a source of operational delays. New abutments, columns, and precast retaining walls were included in the replacement project. This work has eliminated slow zones and reduced maintenance-related service disruptions, ensuring smoother and more dependable operations.
Funding for the project included $16.5 million from the Federal Transit Administration, $17.8 million from the Federal Railroad Administration, $2.3 million from Canadian Pacific (CPKC) and $2.9 million in other Metra funding. The construction work was done by IHC Construction Companies of Elgin.
Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski said “We know this work was disruptive for our riders, local drivers and residents of the nearby community, and we would like to thank them for their patience and understanding while we replaced this critical infrastructure. We now have a bridge, and a comfortable and functional new station, that will serve them for many years into the future.”
State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe said “We are thrilled to usher in the new Grayland Metra Station to the far Northwest side of Chicago. As a frequent user of the Milwaukee District North Line myself, I know that this renovated and ADA-compliant station will improve the quality of life of many area residents who rely on vital public transit to travel around the Chicagoland area, including to and from work downtown. We are grateful to everyone who made this collaborative effort happen, including the very patient area residents.”
Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez said “The Metra rail system is an important part of our Cook County infrastructure. The Grayland Station will serve thousands of daily commuters, connecting Chicago neighborhoods to our suburban communities while also reducing traffic congestion. This station is a powerful example of intergovernmental collaboration and our collective commitment to improving rail service reliability, accessibility, and community connectivity.”
Alderwoman Ruth Cruz said “The reopening of the Grayland Metra station is a meaningful step forward for our communities. Residents of Irving Park and Avondale, as well as other parts of the 30th Ward and the Northwest Side, will be able to step onto this platform and be connected to locations all the way from downtown to Lake County. This reconnection brings real benefits—more and better access to family, friends, jobs, amenities, and additional transportation options.”
Grayland Station is located just south of the bridge, and now sports longer platforms, ADA-compliant ramps and stairs, new warming shelters with on-demand heating on each side, and a modern public address system with visual information signs. Enhanced lighting and platform furnishings contribute to a safer and more comfortable environment.
