Workers broke ground on a new Metra station in Edgewater that will boost economic activity in the area and bring more equitable transit options to its residents. The groundbreaking was held for the Peterson-Ridge station and will plug a three-mile gap in stations along the line between Rogers Park and Ravenswood stations.
Railway Technology states that the $19 million project is anticipated to be completed in around 18 months.
John Burns Construction Company has secured the contract for the construction work, with a commitment to provide 30% of the subcontracting work to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise companies.
The work will consist of the following:
- Construction of two six-car platforms
- Heated concrete stairs
- ADA-compliant ramps
- Access drive
- ADA pick-up/drop off
- Two shelters with on demand heating
- Bicycle parking
- Glass and masonry warming house
- Five ADA parking lots
- 44 pay parking spaces
- Plaza with associated landscaping and irrigation system
- Improved traffic signals for the station entrance
- Additional $3 million of renovation work to be performed on the bridges over Peterson and Ridge Avenues
The project is being backed through a $15 million financing from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) while Federal Transit Administration funding will support the rest of the $7 million worth of work.
"Through the state's historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan, DCEO committed to bringing forward economic development projects that will modernise infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and increase access to opportunity in communities across our state. We are happy to support the new Peterson Ridge Metra Station, which will increase transportation options in Edgewater and is part of Governor Pritzker's efforts to increase safe, reliable and equitable access to transportation options for residents and businesses across Illinois."
DCEO Acting Director | Sylvia Garcia
Metra will also use the financing to build another new station, Auburn Park, on the Rock Island Line.
Chicago Streets Blog states that plans for the station were announced in 2012 but construction was delayed due to state budget issues impacting funding and issues with permits. The Chicago Department of Water Management denied permits due to the concerns that the station's permeable pavement, which was designed to reduce flooding, would hurt the existing sewers.
40th Ward alderman Andrew Vasquez worked diligently to make sure that every single issue and concern had been resolved.
