Chicago Construction News staff writer
Plans for a new downtown Glen Ellyn Metra station and pedestrian underpass are nearing the final stages of engineering, with construction potentially beginning in fall 2027.
The $54.5 million project will replace the existing Metra station, built in the 1960s, with a new station and platforms designed to improve accessibility, pedestrian safety and the commuter experience.
The project includes an ADA-accessible pedestrian underpass beneath the railroad tracks, new warming shelters, expanded bicycle parking, improved sidewalks and pedestrian connections, and accessible passenger drop-off and pick-up areas on both sides of the tracks.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Glen Ellyn was the second-busiest station on Metra’s Union Pacific West Line and the ninth-busiest among the agency’s 233 stations outside downtown Chicago.
The Illinois Department of Transportation approved Phase I preliminary engineering in March, allowing the project to advance to final engineering.
Phase II engineering is about 95% complete and includes final plans, specifications and cost estimates, along with permitting and other approvals. Engineering design is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2026.
The village is also seeking approvals for the project’s architectural appearance, zoning and required variations. The Architectural Appearance Commission recommended approval of the amended exterior design in July. The Plan Commission and Village Board are expected to review the project this fall and consider approvals for design and zoning.
The village also must secure easements from Union Pacific Railroad for improvements on railroad property. Required plats have been completed and the village is proceeding with the appraisal process, with an offer to Union Pacific expected by the end of the year.
If the remaining approvals and property negotiations proceed as planned, the village expects to put the project out for competitive bidding in summer 2027, with construction potentially beginning in fall 2027.
The station project will be coordinated with the fourth phase of Glen Ellyn’s Central Business District Streetscape and Utility Improvements Project.
Crescent Boulevard between Main and Park streets and Forest Avenue between Duane and Pennsylvania avenues will receive new underground utilities, followed by reconstruction of streets and sidewalks.
The improvements will incorporate streetscape features installed during the first three phases of the downtown project.
Construction of the station and downtown improvements is expected to affect parking, traffic and pedestrian access in the area. Several parking areas, including spaces currently used by permit holders, will be unavailable during portions of construction.
The total estimated project cost of $54.5 million includes the new station and pedestrian underpass, platforms, warming shelters, parking and site improvements, as well as the fourth phase of the downtown streetscape and utility work.
The village has secured about $26.8 million in outside funding from federal, state and regional sources.
Funding includes $14.4 million through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, $5 million through the Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund, $1.4 million through the Local Surface Transportation Program, $2 million in federal community funding and $4 million from Metra.
The project also is on a contingency list for about $10 million in additional federal funding.
The village said the project is intended to provide a new station facility while improving connections between the downtown area and the Metra rail line.
