By Eric Berger
CHICAGO—Numerous projects aimed at improving service on Chicago-area commuter railroad Metra were funded in 2022, thanks to a record-setting $204.1 million in capital spending grants from the federal government. All of the grants were approved in a competitive process which requires that funds be spent on the specified project.
Among them is a $117 million grant toward the replacement of bridges over 11 streets along the Union Pacific North Line between Fullerton and Addison, the largest single grant approved in Metra history.
Other projects include:
• $37.6 million to renovate and make ADA accessible the 59th -60th St./University of
Chicago Station on the Metra Electric Line
• $29 million to renovate and make ADA accessible the 95 th St./Chicago State
University Station, an application filed with the assistance of Cook County
• $20 million secured by Pace in partnership with Metra to renovate and expand
Harvey Station and adjoining Pace Harvey Transportation Center
• $500,000 to help plan Metra’s service rebound
Some Metra projects also receive funding from state or local sources.
“Metra had a phenomenal year when it came to winning competitive grants, and we credit
our hard-working and supremely effective Illinois congressional delegation for that success,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski.
Metra was created in 1985 by the Regional Transit Authority to operate the commuter rail services of railroads including Chicago & Northwestern, Burlington, Rock Island and Milwaukee Road. Today, Metra owns most of the routes on which its trains operate, though several are operated under contract on BNSF and UP.