Metra crews will replace and resurface the Canal Street crossing in Chicago’s West Loop, closing Canal Street at the intersection with Metra’s tracks from April 22 to May 1.
The Canal Street vehicular and pedestrian crossing will be closed and out of service for the duration of the project. Motorists are advised to use Jefferson Street, located two blocks west of Canal Street, until the project is complete. Pedestrians can cross the tracks at Clinton Street, which is located one block west of Canal Street.
The Canal Street crossing is one of the busiest on the Metra system with 224 train movements passing through it on a typical weekday. The crossing is used by trains on three Metra lines (the Milwaukee District North and West lines and the North Central Service), Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service to Milwaukee and Empire Builder Service to Portland and Seattle, as well as Metra equipment traveling to and from the railroad’s Western Avenue Yard for daily maintenance.
The project will include the removal and replacement of rails, ties, ballast, rubber panels and asphalt and is part of regularly scheduled maintenance of Metra’s assets. Crossing renewals provide a smoother ride for motorists and ensure the continued safety of railroad operations.
