Metra Board approves $13-million contract for 147th Street/Sibley Boulevard Station rehab
A $13-million contract was approved by the Metra Board of Directors for the complete redo of the 147th Street/Sibley Boulevard Station on the Metra Electric Line, the first major upgrade to the facility in more than 30 years.
“This is an exciting time for our customers as the funds provided through the state’s Rebuild Illinois program are put to use to improve and upgrade our system,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “The 147th Street project is just one of several station projects we have planned for the Metra Electric Line that will provide My Metra riders with modern facilities and address accessibility needs.”
The project, which is expected to take 15 months, is the first major upgrade to the facility since 1989. The existing concrete platform will be replaced with a longer-lasting composite material. The existing headhouse and passenger shelters will also be replaced, and a canopy covering most of the platform area will be added. The project will also add an elevator to the station, making it accessible to people with disabilities.
The 147th Street project also includes a number of street-level improvements, including a new entrance with a covered staircase. The existing gravel parking area near the station entrance will be converted to a kiss-n-ride and bicycle parking will be added. The project will also improve pathways to the main parking lot on the east side of the tracks, and new lighting will be installed on the platform and along the sidewalk under the tracks.
"The city is delighted to partner with Metra on an important investment in our transportation infrastructure,” said Harvey Mayor Christopher J. Clark. “This project will enable more of our residents to safely and comfortably get to their jobs and their destinations. Furthermore, this project, in combination for longer range projects such as the new downtown Harvey Transportation Center, will jump start our efforts to 'Build a Better Harvey' for all."
Elgin-based IHC Construction Companies LLC was awarded the $13-million contract through a competitive bidding process. IHC has committed to subcontracting 25 percent of the work to minority and women-owned firms. The project is being 100 percent funded through the state’s Rebuild Illinois bond program.
Significant state dollars allocated to Metra under the Rebuild Illinois program, combined with federal aid, are helping to fund an unprecedented investment in the Metra system. This includes the purchase of new, modern rail cars and newly repowered locomotives, and the rehabilitation of existing cars and locomotives. And it includes the construction of new stations at Peterson and Ridge on the Union Pacific North Line and Auburn Park on the Rock Island Line, as well as the rehabilitation and upgrade of existing stations and the replacement or rehabilitation of existing bridges.
These projects will improve rider comfort, increase accessibility, strengthen service reliability and improve air quality.
