Local elected officials and Metra representatives today officially celebrated the completion of a $4.5 million project to renovate the Cicero Station on the BNSF Line.
State Senator Martin A. Sandoval and Cicero Town President Larry Dominick and others joined Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno at a press conference to officially open the new facility.
“We have created a safe and modern new station that should prove comfortable, attractive and functional for our riders and area residents for many years to come,” said Metra Board member Brian K. Reaves, who represents suburban Cook County. “We’re happy that our partnership with Cicero and our great relationships with elected officials can produce such tangible benefits for our riders.”
“This is another example of the kinds of projects Metra has done with our share of money from the state bond program, and we would like to thank Gov. Quinn, Sen. Sandoval and the rest of the Legislature for their foresight and wisdom in investing in our future,” Orseno said.
“The new Metra station will improve the quality of life for the people of Cicero and the region,” Sen. Sandoval said. “This station has been a major priority of mine.”
“I am very excited that Cicero now has the Metra station that it deserves, and I am hopeful that this beautiful new facility can spark further economic growth in our community,’’ President Dominick said.
The $4.5 million project, which was funded by Metra’s share of money from the state bond program, included:
- Two new seven-car platforms with tactile warning strips
- A new warming house on the outbound side
- A headhouse and ramp enclosure with a heated waiting area on the inbound side, and a reconstructed ramp to comply with ADA requirements
- High-intensity overhead lighting
- Utility improvements
- Surveillance cameras
- Landscaping
- A new, paved parking lot with 146 spaces.
The Cicero Station is served by about 19 inbound and 22 outbound trains each day.