Metra to replace ties, switches along Milwaukee District lines

Starting this month, Metra plans to replace 5,000 ties along its Milwaukee District North Line between Libertyville and North Glenview, Ill., the agency announced late last week.

Railroad officials expect that project to wrap up May 1, after which Metra will begin replacing 10,000 ties on three tracks along a five-mile stretch from Canal Street to Chicago's Galewood neighborhood.

In addition to the tie replacement projects, Metra aims to replace switches and rail crossovers at points along both the Milwaukee District North and West lines over the spring and summer months.

The agency also will replace seven crossings along the Milwaukee District West Line and perform rehab work at the Mayfair and Grayland stations. Metra further plans to resurface platforms and renew fencing and railings at the Deerfield Station on the Milwaukee District North Line.

"Tracks, ties and switches are the foundation of the railroad," said Don Orseno, executive director and chief executive officer of Metra. "These maintenance projects are key components of our ability to provide our customers with safe and reliable service. In addition to keeping our railroad safe, replacing worn ties has the added benefit of providing our riders with a smoother, more comfortable ride."

For more information about Metra's infrastructure improvement plans in 2015 — as well as similar plans from more than 20 other passenger railroads — follow this link to access Progressive Railroading's MOW Spending Report for 2015.