Major Metra Track Project To Impact Milwaukee District North Midday Service

David C. Lester

CHICAGO –– Metra reports that it is about to replace nearly 4.5 miles of rail and thousands of railroad ties between Fox Lake and Lake Forest, which will force the suspension of midday service on parts of the agency's Milwaukee District North Line. The work starts August 3.

Jim Derwinski, Metra Executive Director/CEO said, “Tie and rail replacement is essential maintenance on the railroad, but this project is complicated due to a long section of single track that makes it impossible for work equipment and passenger rail service to operate simultaneously. While suspending midday service along portions of the line will temporarily inconvenience our customers, this project will allow Metra to work more efficiently and help us meet our standards for providing customers with a smooth, safe, and reliable ride.”

According to Metra, 18,500 railroad ties and approximately 24,000 feet of rail will be installed, and the work is expected to take nearly three months to complete. The work will take place between Rondout and Fox Lake, a distance of 17 rail miles of single track, making it impossible to provide rail service in the active construction zone.

Metra’s message to passengers said, “To minimize the disruption to our riders, midday service will be suspended along the line in three phases. Passengers who normally patronize the affected stations will need to use Metra stations on other lines or seek alternate transportation to the nearest open station during the midday. Detailed schedules for each phase can be found at metra.com/schedules. An outline of the project phases can be found [below].”

MILWAUKEE NORTH LINE TRACK PROJECT TIMELINE

PHASE 1

Weekdays Aug. 3- Aug. 14 

Midday service originates and terminates in Lake Forest

Weekends Aug. 8 -Aug. 15

Midday service originates and terminates in Lake Forest

PHASE 2

Weekdays Aug. 17 – Sept. 9

Midday service originates and terminates in Libertyville

PHASE 3

Weekdays Sept. 11-Oct. 23

Midday service originates and terminates in Grayslake