Metra breaks ground on 136-year-old bridge replacement
The bridge is situated over the Fox River along the Milwaukee District West Lake in Elgin, Ill.
The bridge was originally constructed in 1881. Although the structure has been regularly maintained, many components are significantly deteriorated and can no longer be economically repaired. Photo: Metra
The bridge was originally constructed in 1881. Although the structure has been regularly maintained, many components are significantly deteriorated and can no longer be economically repaired. Photo: Metra
Metra officials joined U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Elgin Mayor David Kaptain at a groundbreaking to replace a 136-year-old bridge over the Fox River along the Milwaukee District West Line in Elgin, Ill.
Sen. Dick Durbin’s and Duckworth’s efforts helped Metra secure a $14 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant for the $34 million project. Metra and Canadian Pacific Railway will share the remaining cost, with $6 million from CP and $14 million from Metra.
In September, the Metra Board awarded a $21.6 million contract to Elburn-based Illinois Constructors Corp. to build the new bridge. The company will replace the existing single-track bridge with a double-track bridge built to modern standards. The contract covers the bridge structure. Metra will build and install the track and signal elements.
The bridge, located about 35 miles from downtown Chicago, carries 54 Metra trains and up to eight CP freight trains each weekday. The bridge was originally constructed in 1881. Although the structure has been regularly maintained, many components are significantly deteriorated and can no longer be economically repaired.
More Rail
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →
OCTA Maps Out 30-Year Strategy to Protect Coastal Rail Corridor
The draft feasibility report identifies strategies to protect the coastal rail line for decades as the agency continues near-term stabilization and sand placement efforts.
Read More →