Author: Batrak Oleksandr — Editor-in-Chief at Railway Supply

The Metra 2026 maintenance-of-way program was outlined yesterday. The commuter railroad detailed planned construction spending and project work across its network.

Metra outlines 2026 rail maintenance and bridge work
Photo: Metra

What the Metra 2026 maintenance-of-way program includes?

According to Metra, $59.1 million is budgeted for signal maintenance and upgrades. The same sum also covers electrical and communications maintenance and upgrades. It has budgeted $37.7 million for track maintenance work. In addition, $32.3 million is set aside for station and parking improvements. Another $22.3 million will go to bridge projects. Also, the grade crossing replacement budget is $5.2 million. Last year, the first two totals were $39.2 million and $48.1 million. The next three were $34.9 million, $46.2 million and $5.9 million.

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Also, the 2026 program includes improvements at 20 stations and replacement of 22 crossings. In addition, it includes three major tie replacement projects. About 51,000 ties will be installed in total.

Metra Electric Line upgrades and UP North bridge work

Meanwhile, Metra plans to continue a multiyear effort on the Metra Electric Line. That work involves track, electrical and signal upgrades. It is intended to accommodate a service expansion on the South Shore Line. Separately, work will continue on a major UP North Line project. It will rebuild 11 bridges between Fullerton Avenue and Addison Street in Chicago. The bridges are 120 years old.

Metra officials said so in a press release. At the same time, some project funding was allocated in prior years’ capital programs. Other funding will come from outside sources, including municipalities and freight railroad partners.

“We plan to take full advantage of the construction season and available funding to address projects across the railroad,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski.

More information about projects planned across Metra’s 11 lines in 2026 is available.

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