Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno met with State Rep. Luis Arroyo and other officials to break ground on a $7.3-million renovation of the Healy Station on the Milwaukee North Line.
The project includes the removal of the existing platforms, shelters, structural steel, ramps, stairs and railings and the construction of new platforms, shelters with on-demand heat, canopies, retaining walls, ramps (including a ramp to the outbound platform), stairs, LED lighting, gutters and storm sewer system. It also includes painting and waterproofing the adjoining rail bridge over Fullerton Avenue. The station will be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
"One of my top priorities is to bring job opportunities to our community and improve access to public transportation," Rep. Arroyo said. "This renovation project will not only expand economic opportunity in our neighborhood but it will also provide a safe and revamped train station that will better serve riders and improve access to other services like the [Chicago Transit Authority]."
The work, which is being funding by Metra's share of proceeds from the state bond program, is expected to take about one year to complete. The station will remain open during construction. The contract for the work was awarded to John Burns Construction Company of Orland Park, which Metra said was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
The Healy Station, at 4014 W. Fullerton, is used by about 325 passengers each weekday. It is served by 24 inbound and 24 outbound trains each weekday.