Metra 2026 construction programme for Chicago rail

Metra 2026 construction programme covers station upgrades across the Chicago region. It also covers track infrastructure, level crossings, bridges and signalling systems. Work is scheduled across multiple parts of the network in 2026.

What the Metra 2026 construction programme includes?

Metra has outlined the construction work it plans for the Chicago region in 2026. The programme spans stations, track infrastructure, level crossings, bridges and signalling systems across the network.

The plan includes upgrades at 20 of Metra’s 243 stations. It also includes the replacement of 22 road-rail crossings and three large tie replacement schemes. In addition, it brings together those annual works with longer-running projects already in progress. These include improvements on the Metra Electric corridor. Those works are intended to support planned service expansion linked to the South Shore Line. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District operates that line.

The work will be delivered by Metra staff, freight railroad partners and private-sector contractors. In some cases, station schemes will be funded and carried out with local municipalities.

Funding assigned to the 2026 programme includes:

• 57.7 million USD for station and parking projects
• 37.7 million USD for track maintenance
• 22.3 million USD for bridge work
• 5.2 million USD for level crossing replacements
• 59.1 million USD for signalling, electrical and communications improvements, according to Metra

Some projects also draw on support from earlier funding rounds or outside contributions.

Station projects and track maintenance

Station work scheduled for 2026 covers accessibility-related improvements and general maintenance. It also includes larger ongoing schemes at selected locations. Seven stations on the Rock Island Line are included in this year’s plan. Cicero and Western Springs on the BNSF Line are also part of it.

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Station projects

Several station projects already under way will continue over multiple years. They include reconstruction at Chicago State/95th Street Station. They also include entrance rehabilitation at Millennium Station on the Metra Electric corridor. That corridor is part of the broader electrified system referred to as the Metra Electric Line.

On the Rock Island Line, work is set to continue at 115th Street/Morgan Park. It includes platform replacement and related station improvements. Construction is also continuing at Auburn Park (79th and Lowe). That site is planned as a new infill station.

On the BNSF Line, the programme includes rehabilitation at LaGrange Road Station. It also includes platform construction at Westmont. Meanwhile, platform replacements at Grayslake, Morton Grove, Midlothian, Pingree Road and Kedzie are nearing completion.

Track maintenance

For track maintenance, Metra and its partners expect to replace about 51,000 railway ties across the system in 2026, as Railway Supply reports. The Rock Island Line is scheduled for 16,562 tie replacements between Mokena and Joliet.

On the Milwaukee District North Line, the plan covers 18,500 ties. It also covers 23,949 feet of rail. The section runs between Rondout and Fox Lake. The BNSF Line is also due for about 16,000 tie replacements. That work is planned between Hinsdale and West Eola (Aurora).

Separately, work is planned on the Metra Electric corridor. It is part of preparations for future infrastructure changes linked to expanded service requirements.

Level crossing replacements and bridge works

A total of 22 level crossings are scheduled for replacement or upgrade during 2026. These include five crossings on the Metra Electric South Chicago and Blue Island branches. They also include six on the Rock Island Line. In addition, it covers sites on the Southwest Service, Milwaukee District North and Milwaukee District West lines.

On the BNSF Line, the programme includes crossings in Naperville, Clarendon Hills, Riverside, Berwyn and LaGrange. Some pedestrian crossings are also listed as possible additions, depending on available funding.

Bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects are also due to continue across several parts of the network. On the Union Pacific North Line, an ongoing programme covers the replacement of 11 bridges between Fullerton Avenue and Addison Street in Chicago.

That scheme also includes work on track structure and retaining walls. On the Rock Island Line, the programme includes bridge replacement at Morgan Street in Chicago. It also includes rehabilitation linked to the Auburn Park station project.

According to Metra, a large share of its bridge inventory is more than 100 years old. The agency is also developing a long-range planning programme covering around 210 bridges over 20 years. Design work has already been completed on some structures. It is close to completion on others.

Signalling and communications upgrades

Signalling and communications projects are set to continue on several corridors during 2026. The work is aimed at updating infrastructure and supporting operational changes.

On the Metra Electric corridor, planned upgrades are due between Millennium Station and Roosevelt Road. They include preparations related to the South Shore Line expansion. At the same time, Metra intends to introduce bi-directional signalling between Roosevelt Road and 65th Street. New crossing equipment is also scheduled for the South Chicago Branch.

Work is also continuing on the Rock Island Line to renew the 16th Street interlocking. This follows earlier infrastructure changes at the 16th Street tower. In addition, a new control point is planned at 75th Street on the Southwest Service.

On the Milwaukee District West Line, the 2026 programme includes signal modernisation between Franklin Park and Galewood. It also includes upgrades at several crossings in Elmwood Park and surrounding areas.

Most work is expected during off-peak periods and on weekends where possible. Still, temporary delays may arise depending on the location and the type of work involved.

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