Metra bridge showing severe decay will be repaired; 11 more spans also in the plan

This rail bridge that crosses over West Peterson Avenue in Chicago is at the center of public concern.

NBC 5 Chicago

Chicago’s Metra is responding to concerns that some rail bridges in the area are showing signs of dangerous decay.

The public has turned to social media to talk about the subject, and one bridge, which passes over West Peterson Avenue in Chicago, is at the center of the discussion. The bridge has support beams that are in poor condition, and some of them even have holes as a result of severe corrosion.

Metra says the bridges can no longer be economically repaired and maintained, so it will rebuild the Union Pacific North Line and the 11 bridges on the route. The bridges cross over Cornelia Avenue, School Street, Belmont Avenue, Wellington Avenue, Wrightwood Avenue, Fullerton Avenue, Roscoe Street, Melrose Street, Barry Avenue, Diversey Parkway, and Clybourn Avenue.

Metra also will be addressing the West Peterson Avenue bridge. A new station is being built near the span, and that project will include the needed renovation work. The project is expected to be complete by the end of the summer.

Read more articles on rail bridges.