Fox River Grove President Robert J. Nunamaker and other dignitaries joined Metra Board Member Jack Schaffer, interim Executive Director Don Orseno and other officials on Friday to dedicate the newly rebuilt Fox River Grove Station on the UP Northwest Line.
The $3.5 million project included the complete reconstruction of the station, which dated from 1959. That work included:
- Replacement of the existing warming shelter with a larger shelter that includes 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 rebuilt and extended the platforms, which cost about $1.2 million. Path Construction of Arlington Heights was awarded a $2.3 million contract to do the remaining work.
Metra paid for the work with proceeds from the state bond program and other capital funds; Fox River Grove contributied $82,400 to cover the upgrade to LED lights and parking lot work.
The result is 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.