Metra and Union Pacific Railroad started a $100 million project to remove two critical bottlenecks along the UP West Line that can be the source of delays for both freight and commuter trains. The project will add nearly eight miles of third track in the only two remaining segments between Elburn and Chicago that have two tracks. Works started on the first segment, a 1.8-mile section from just east of the Des Plaines River in River Forest to 25th Avenue in Melrose Park. Construction of the 1.8-mile segment is expected to take a year. Third track will also be added starting later this year along a 6.1-mile segment from Kress Road in West Chicago to Peck Road in Geneva. Work on the 6.1-mile segment is scheduled to continue through 2019. Project funding is being provided by Union Pacific and Metra.
The project is the fourth phase of the UP West Line Improvement Project, a multi-year effort to improve the flow of rail traffic on the line while enhancing pedestrian and motorist safety.
“Adding these track segments will reduce the potential for delays and improve the travel experience for the 30,000 Metra riders who rely on this line each weekday. Residents along the UP West Line will also benefit from shorter wait times at crossings and fewer freight trains idling on the tracks,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno.
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