Metra has put out a bid for the construction contract for the Auburn Park Station, reaching another milestone for the new station to be built on the Rock Island Line in the Auburn Gresham community on the South Side of Chicago.
“We are pleased to take this significant step towards making this new station a reality for the residents of the Auburn Gresham area,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski. “Once again, we must thank [State] Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-16) for spearheading this project and keeping it on track – she is truly a passionate and tireless advocate for her constituents.”
The new station aims to improve access to transportation and jobs throughout the region, support economic development and opportunities in the neighborhood and contribute to the overall health of the community.
The fully accessible station at 79th Street will feature:
- A large landscaped plaza with bicycle racks, benches, trees and canopy.
- A new vendor building with glass storefronts and a bright, open atmosphere.
- A living green wall along the existing retaining wall.
- A staircase and two elevators between the street and platform levels.
- A 480-foot platform with a bright, polycarbonate canopy to provide shelter.
- A snow melt system that will keep the platform clear without the need for deicing chemicals.
- A new 80-space parking lot featuring a kiss-n-ride drop-off area, landscaped islands, trees and a decorative fence to screen the lot from neighboring homes.
- Roadway improvements to provide vehicular access to the station.
