Illinois Metra Board Approves $13m Station Renovation

The contract to renovate 147th Street/Sibley Boulevard Station on Metra’s Electric Line in Harvey, Illinois has been awarded to IHC Construction Cos. LLC.

Source : Wikimedia Commons

November 16, 2021

Author : Patty Rodriguez

IHC will subcontract 25 percent of the job to minority and women-owned companies. The project will be financed through the Rebuild Illinois program which is currently adding new cars and locomotives and upgrading stations.

Work on the project, which is expected to take 15 months, will include the replacement of a concrete platform with a composite material that is more durable. The headhouse and passenger shelters will also be replaced and a canopy covering most of the platform will also be constructed. The project will also see an elevator added to increase accessibility.

It’s the first major upgrade to the station since 1989, the press release states.

There will also be street-level improvements to the station, including a covered staircase, while the parking area will be converted to a kiss-n-ride. Bicycle parking will also be added to the area while improvements to the pathways to the main parking lot will be made and new lighting will be installed.

“This is an exciting time for our customers as the funds provided through the state’s Rebuild Illinois program are put to use to improve and upgrade our system,” Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski said. “The 147th Street project is just one of several station projects we have planned for the Metra Electric Line that will provide My Metra riders with modern facilities and address accessibility needs.”

"The City is delighted to partner with Metra on an important investment in our transportation infrastructure,” Harvey Mayor Christopher J. Clark added. The city of Harvey is about 22 miles south of Chicago.

“This project will enable more of our residents to safely and comfortably get to their jobs and their destinations. Furthermore, this project, in combination [with] longer range projects such as the new downtown Harvey Transportation Center, will jump start our efforts to 'Build a Better Harvey' for all."

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Category : Investment in Infrastructure Local Government Public Works Railroads

Related Article