Metra Photograph

CHICAGO - Metra announces its 2026 construction program projects, including station improvements, grade crossing replacements, and tie replacement projects.

Along with the slew of major projects (list below), Metra says it will continue to make progress on its multiyear project on its Metra Electric Line. The Line will see track, electrical, and systems upgrades ahead of the South Shore Line service expansion. The 2026 program also includes smaller improvements along 11 lines. Within the 2026 capital program, $37.7 million is allocated for track maintenance. $22.3 million is allocated for bridge projects, $5.2 million is allocated for rail crossing replacement projects, and $59.1 million is allocated for maintenance and upgrades to signal, electrical, and communications systems.

Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski said, “We plan to take full advantage of the construction season and available funding to address projects across the railroad. . . Metra is grateful for the significant financial support we have received in recent years to address a backlog of critical capital projects. However, infrastructure maintenance is an ongoing need, and that’s why we will continue to work with our funding and governance partners to identify, plan, and carry out projects that support our system today and in the future.”

Below is a list (courtesy of Metra) that includes 2026 major construction projects:

STATIONS

20 of Metra’s 243 stations are planned for improvements. Another 47 station projects are currently in the design phase with construction to begin at a later time.

BNSF Line

• LaGrange Road, LaGrange – Rehab of historic station
• Westmont – New extended and elevated platforms 
• Cicero – ADA and state of good repair improvements
• Western Springs – ADA and state of good repair improvements

Rock Island Line

• Auburn Park, Chicago – Ongoing construction of new infill station
• 99th Street/Beverly, Chicago (Beverly Branch) – ADA and state of good repair improvements
• 103rd Street Washington Heights, Chicago (Beverly Branch) – ADA and state of good repair improvements
• 111th Street/Morgan Park, Chicago (Beverly Branch) – ADA and state of good repair improvements
• 115th Street/Morgan Park, Chicago (Beverly Branch) – Renovation of the station including new platforms, parking areas, lighting,
• and shelters
• Vermont Street (Blue Island) – ADA and state of good repair improvements
• Robbins – ADA and state of good repair improvements
• Midlothian – Platform renewal and ADA and state of good repair improvements
• Joliet – ADA and state of good repair improvements

Milwaukee District North Line

• Morton Grove – Platform construction and new lighting
• Grayslake – Platform renewal

Metra Electric Line

• Millennium/South Water – Ongoing rehab of entrance and elevators
• 95th Street/Chicago State – Ongoing rehab of station facility including ADA accessibility

Union Pacific

North Line

• Kenosha – City-managed project to replace elevator

Northwest Line

• Pingree Road – Continued work to repair platform, retaining walls, and ADA ramp

West Line

• Kedzie – Platform repair and replacement

CROSSINGS

22 crossings will receive improvements this year.

Rock Island Line

• 94th Street, Chicago (Beverly Branch) – Crossing replacement 
• 105th   Street, Chicago (Beverly Branch) – Crossing replacement 
• Vermont Street, Chicago (Beverly Branch) – Crossing replacement 
• 97th Street, Chicago – Crossing replacement 
• 104th Street, Chicago – Crossing replacement 
• 119th Street, Chicago – Crossing replacement 

Southwest Service

• 54th Avenue, Oak Lawn – Crossing replacement

Milwaukee District North Line

• Conway Road, Lake Forest – Crossing replacement
• Dempster Street, Morton Grove – Crossing replacement        

Milwaukee District West Line    

• Walnut Avenue, Itasca – Crossing replacement    
• Prospect Street, Roselle – Crossing replacement    
• McClean Boulevard, Elgin – Crossing replacement

Metra Electric Line

• Ridgeland Avenue, (South Chicago Branch) – Crossing replacement
• Clyde Avenue (South Chicago Branch) – Crossing replacement
• Chappel Avenue (South Chicago Branch) – Crossing replacement
• Parnell Avenue (Blue Island Branch) – Crossing replacement
• Normal Avenue (Blue Island Branch) – Crossing replacement

BNSF Line

• Loomis Street, Naperville – Crossing replacement
• Prospect Avenue, Clarendon Hills – Crossing replacement
• Hollywood Avenue, Riverside – Crossing replacement
• Harlem Avenue, Berwyn – Crossing replacement
• LaGrange Road, LaGrange – Crossing replacement 

TRACK

According to Metra, it, along with partners, expects to replace around 51,000 railroad ties in 2026.

Rock Island Line

• Mokena to Joliet – Replace 16,562 ties

Milwaukee District North Line

• Rondout to Fox Lake – Replace 18,500 ties
• Rondout to Fox Lake – Replace 23,949 feet of rail

Metra Electric Line

• Chicago – Continuation of track and infrastructure improvements to accommodate fourth track for South Shore (NICTD) service expansion

BNSF Line

• Hinsdale to West Eola (Aurora) – Replace 16,000 ties on Track 1 

BRIDGES

Metra says more than half of the 446 bridges on Metra-owned lines are more than 100 years old. As of reporting, there is no dedicated federal funding program specifically targeted for commuter rail bridges. In response, state lawmakers have introduced the Building Rail Infrastructure for a Durable & Growing Economy (BRIDGE) Act. This would establish the first $1.5 billion annual competitive grant program to fund these bridge replacement projects.

To replace or repair 210 bridges, Metra says it requires an investment of around $3 billion and has developed a 20-year plan. The design is either complete or almost compete on nine bridges. 30 bridges are currently lined up for preliminary engineering.

Rock Island Line

• Chicago – Project to replace Bridge 86 over 78th Street as part of the new Auburn Park Station

BNSF Line

• Keeler Avenue, Chicago – Retaining wall rehabilitation
• Between Drake and Central Park Avenues, Chicago – Retaining wall rehabilitation

UP North Line

• Fullerton Avenue to Addison Street, Chicago. This project will rebuild 11 120-year-old bridges. Segment 1 is currently out for bid. The project, totaling $337 million, replaces 4 miles of track structure and 1.75 miles of retaining walls.

SIGNAL & COMMUNICATIONS

Rock Island Line

• Chicago – Continuation of 16th Street interlocking renewal including new track configuration between 16th Street and Archer Avenue

SouthWest Service

• Chicago – Install new control point at 75th Street to replace the former Forest Hill interlocking

Metra Electric Line

• Chicago – Continue signal infrastructure upgrades between Millennium Station and Roosevelt Road to accommodate South Shore (NICTD) expansion project
• Chicago – Install bi-directional signaling between Roosevelt Road and 65th Street to modernize infrastructure to support higher operating speeds and increase operational flexibility
• Chicago – Install new grade crossing equipment, including SMART gate technology, on South Chicago Branch between Yates Avenue and 93rd Street

Milwaukee District West Line

• Franklin Park to Galewood (Chicago) – Multiyear project to modernize and upgrade signal and grade crossing equipment, including SMART gate technology
• Elmwood Park – Signal system upgrades at multiple crossings
• Thatcher Avenue, River Grove – Signal system upgrades at crossing
• River Road, River Grove – Signal system upgrades at crossing
• Naperville Road, Bartlett – Signal system upgrades at crossing