Metra,Chicago’s commuter operator, held the groundbreaking ceremony for works to replace a 136-year-old rail bridge over the Fox River along the Milwaukee District West Line in Elgin. The bridge, located about 56 km from downtown Chicago, carries 54 Metra trains and up to eight CP freight trains each weekday. The bridge was originally constructed in 1881.
In September, the Metra Board awarded a USD 21.6 million contract to Elburn-based Illinois Constructors Corporation (ICC) to build the new bridge. ICC will replace the existing single-track bridge with a double-track bridge built to modern standards. The contract covers the bridge structure. Metra forces will build and install the track and signal elements.
“Replacing this bridge will improve the reliability, performance and operational flexibility of the Milwaukee District West Line,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Don Orseno.
Metra secured a USD 14 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for the USD 34 million project. Metra and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) will share the remaining cost, with USD 6 million from CP and USD 14 million from Metra.
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