Metra news release:
BNSF to begin major tie replacement project
(Aug. 25, 2016) – BNSF customers may experience minor delays over the next three weeks as track workers replace more than 10,000 ties along a nearly 23-mile stretch of track.
“This project will improve reliability and has been planned so that it will minimize impact on Metra service,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “This is the type of maintenance that must be done on a continual basis so that we can maintain the track speeds and service levels our customers rely upon.”
The project will replace worn ties between Roosevelt Road in Chicago and Lisle. BNSF will perform most of the work at night to minimize impacts to Metra service. However, due to the need to reduce speeds for work zone safety, as well as to ensure that the track is stabilized following tie replacement, a construction schedule will be put into effect Saturday, Aug. 27 through Friday, Sept. 16. The schedule, which can be found here, will add five to 10 minutes to the schedules of some rush hour and evening trains.
The approximately $1.5 million project is part of Metra’s 2016 construction program, which includes approximately $200 million in infrastructure improvements to 27 stations, 21 bridges and 24 road crossings, as well as the replacement of 120,000 rail ties to ensure safe and reliable service and maintain a state of good repair system-wide.
