- Credibility:
IRVING PARK — Newly released renderings show what the Grayland Metra station could look like once the bridge over Milwaukee Avenue is replaced.
The project will mostly focus on the bridge, which was built in 1899, a Metra spokeswoman said. But the station at 3729 N. Kilbourn Ave. will also see a few improvements: Its platforms will be raised to the new bridge height, warming shelters will be added for travelers and there will be ADA-compliant ramps.
Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) released renderings of the station and bridge in an emailed newsletter.
The project is still in the design phase, but that is expected to be done in two to three months. After that, Metra hopes for construction to begin before the end of summer and for the work to take 2 1/2 years.
The bridge is used by 70 Metra and Amtrak trains and six freight trains on an average weekday, the spokeswoman said. During construction, a temporary bridge will be built to take trains over Milwaukee Avenue, and there will be a temporary station 500 feet south of the current station on Addison Street.
Metra has received $17.8 million through a federal grant for the project but estimates it will cost $22.3 million, the spokeswoman said.
