Metra will hold a public open house on April 27 to inform adjacent property owners and the public about its progress on the UP North Rebuild: Fullerton to Addison Project, which will replace aging bridges over 11 streets between Fullerton and Addison along the UP North Line in Chicago.
While the project, which is currently estimated to cost $262.3 million, is still in the design and planning stage, the project team will be able to share new information on a proposed process to modernize the bridges, the environmental review and analysis summary, project renderings and more.
The open house will take place on Wednesday, April 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Augustus H. Burley Elementary School, 1630 W. Barry Ave. With the open house format, attendees can stop by anytime to get information on the project and ask the project team questions. To register for the open house, click here. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
“This project will modernize our bridges and the line’s infrastructure for the long-term benefit of the community and My Metra riders, and we’re committed to keeping the public informed during every phase of the process,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski.
“In addition to this open house, which is our second such event for the UP North Rebuild Project, we are continuing to meet with aldermanic offices, public agencies and adjacent property owners to discuss the work. We also plan to host a third public meeting before construction begins.”
The Metra UP North Rebuild: Fullerton to Addison Project proposal calls for replacing 11 120-year-old bridges that are beyond their functional lifespan and can no longer be economically repaired and maintained. The proposed project includes shifting the tracks to the west within the rail line’s existing right-of-way, constructing new retaining walls where needed, and refurbishing the existing Lincoln/Addison bridge. The project would also benefit the community through improved bridge underpasses with state-of-the-art lighting. Rail customers would benefit from a smoother ride, increased operating efficiencies and reduced operating costs.
To maintain rail operations and minimize disruption to the community, the project would be built in three stages, with construction anticipated to start in 2023 and be completed by 2027.
To learn more about the Metra UP North Rebuild Project, click here.