Metra to Begin Rehabilitation Project for Homewood Station

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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David C. Lester

Metra will begin rehabilitation work on its Homewood Station on March 13, closing access to the tunnel on the east side.

Commuters who rely on the Metra Electric Line and Amtrak at the Homewood Station will need to park and board from the west side of the station throughout the project, which is expected to be complete during the summer of 2024.

The rehabilitation work is set to include the construction of a new, ADA-accessible headhouse on the east side, as well as new drainage, ventilation, lighting, and interior finishes in the existing tunnel, which dates back to 1911, and the replacement of the elevator connecting the tunnel to the platform.

The project also includes the addition of a ramp and renovation work on the platform, wind breaks, warming house, and gatehouse, a release said. 

In October of 2022, the Metra Board of Directors approved a $14.5 million contract to renovate the Homewood Station. The contract was awarded to IHC Construction of Elgin, Illinois, which committed to subcontract 30% of the work to DBE firms.

Homewood and Metra were awarded $9.25 million in federal Shared Transportation Program funds to fund the project. Local matching funds were provided as needed to secure the discretionary grant, which was funded by the RTA, Cook County, and other sources.

Amtrak previously made a significant investment in rehabbing its portion of the shared facility, including the addition of an enclosed ramp on the west side of the tracks, allowing all customers to access the tunnel beneath the tracks to both the Amtrak and Metra train platforms. Other ADA-related improvements to the station have included the waiting areas and restrooms as well as a level path between the building, parking, and the stairway/ramp entrance to the tunnel, a release said. 

The project is part of the Metra Electric Community Initiative, a multiyear plan to renovate and make accessible 13 Metra Electric Line stations on Chicago’s South Side and in the suburbs.

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