Metra has outlined its 2026 construction programme, which includes works on stations, track infrastructure, level crossings, bridges, and signalling systems across its network in the Chicago region.
The programme includes station upgrades at 20 of Metra’s 243 stations, the replacement of 22 road-rail crossings, and three large tie replacement schemes. Additional works form part of ongoing multi-year projects, including infrastructure upgrades on the Metra Electric corridor to support planned service expansion linked to the South Shore Line operated by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District.
The work will be delivered by Metra’s own staff, freight railroad partners, and private contractors. Some station-related projects will be funded and delivered in partnership with local municipalities.
Metra’s commuter rail service in the Chicago metropolitan area
© Canva
Funding allocations include 57.7 million USD for station and parking works, 37.7 million USD for track maintenance, 22.3 million USD for bridge projects, 5.2 million USD for level crossing replacements, and 59.1 million USD for signalling, electrical, and communications upgrades. Some schemes are supported by earlier funding cycles or external contributions.
Station Works
Station-related projects include accessibility and maintenance improvements, as well as ongoing upgrades at key sites. Seven stations on the Rock Island Line are included in this year’s programme, alongside works at Cicero and Western Springs on the BNSF Line.
Multi-year station projects continue at several locations. These include reconstruction work at Chicago State/95th Street Station and entrance rehabilitation at Millennium Station on the Metra Electric corridor, which forms part of the wider electrified network known as the Metra Electric Line.
On the Rock Island Line, work continues at 115th Street/Morgan Park, including platform replacement and associated station improvements. Construction is also ongoing at Auburn Park (79th and Lowe), which is planned as a new infill station.
On the BNSF Line, projects include rehabilitation work at LaGrange Road Station and platform construction at Westmont.
Platform replacement schemes at several stations, including Grayslake, Morton Grove, Midlothian, Pingree Road, and Kedzie, are nearing completion.
Track Maintenance
Metra and its partners plan to replace around 51,000 railway ties across the network in 2026.
On the Rock Island Line, 16,562 ties are scheduled for replacement between Mokena and Joliet. On the Milwaukee District North Line, 18,500 ties and 23,949 feet of rail are scheduled for replacement between Rondout and Fox Lake. On the BNSF Line, around 16,000 ties are planned for replacement between Hinsdale and West Eola (Aurora).
Additional work is planned on the Metra Electric corridor in preparation for future infrastructure changes linked to expanded service requirements.
Level Crossings
A total of 22 level crossings are scheduled for replacement or upgrade during 2026.
Projects include five crossings on the Metra Electric South Chicago and Blue Island branches, six on the Rock Island Line, and additional locations across the Southwest Service, Milwaukee District North, and Milwaukee District West lines.
On the BNSF Line, crossings included in the programme are located in Naperville, Clarendon Hills, Riverside, Berwyn, and LaGrange. Some pedestrian crossings are also listed for possible inclusion subject to funding.
Bridge Works
Bridge rehabilitation and replacement work continues across several parts of the network.
On the Union Pacific North Line, a programme is ongoing to replace 11 bridges between Fullerton Avenue and Addison Street in Chicago. The scheme also includes track structure and retaining wall works.
On the Rock Island Line, work includes bridge replacement at Morgan Street in Chicago and rehabilitation works associated with the Auburn Park station project.
Metra reports that a large proportion of its bridge stock is more than 100 years old. A long-term planning programme covering approximately 210 bridges over 20 years is in development, with design work completed or nearing completion on several structures.
Signalling and Communications
Signalling and communications projects will continue across multiple corridors in 2026, with works intended to update infrastructure and support operational changes.
On the Metra Electric corridor, upgrades are planned between Millennium Station and Roosevelt Road, including preparations linked to the South Shore Line expansion. Bi-directional signalling is also planned between Roosevelt Road and 65th Street, and new crossing equipment is scheduled for installation on the South Chicago Branch.
On the Rock Island Line, work continues on the renewal of the 16th Street interlocking, following earlier infrastructure changes at the 16th Street tower. A new control point is also planned at 75th Street on the Southwest Service.
On the Milwaukee District West Line, signal modernisation works are planned between Franklin Park and Galewood, as well as upgrades at several crossings in Elmwood Park and surrounding areas.
Metra has stated that most works will be carried out during off-peak periods and at weekends where possible. Temporary delays may occur during these periods, depending on the location and nature of works.