Metra breaks ground on rehabilitation of Fox River Grove station

Monday, August 20, 2012
Fox River Grove President Robert J. Nunamaker and other dignitaries joined Metra Acting Chairman Larry Huggins, Board Members Jack Schaffer and Arlene Mulder and Metra Deputy Executive Director Alex Wiggins on Monday to break ground on the reconstruction of the Fox River Grove Station on the UP Northwest Line.
 
The $3.5 million project calls for the complete reconstruction of the station, which dates from 1959. That work includes:
  • Replacement of the existing warming shelter with a larger shelter that will include vendor space and bathrooms
  • Construction of a secondary warming shelter on the east end of the station
  • The reconstruction and extension of the platforms to 640 feet from 330 feet, enough for an eight-car train
  • The repaving and restriping of the existing parking lot
  • The installation of LED lighting on the platforms and parking lot
Union Pacific Railroad is rebuilding and extending the platforms, which will cost about $1.2 million. That work has already begun. Path Construction of Arlington Heights was awarded a $2.3 million contract to do the remaining work. The project should be complete in about one year. The station will remain open during the work.
 
Metra is paying for the work with proceeds from the state bond program and other capital funds; Fox River Grove is contributing $82,400 to cover the upgrade to LED lights and parking lot work.
 
Completion of the project will provide a safe, convenient and appealing train station that will better serve existing riders and attract new ones. The longer platforms and improved warming houses will also accommodate future ridership growth.