Metra seeks bids for UP North Line bridge replacement project

Metra is soliciting bids for the next phase of its multi-year Union Pacific North bridge replacement project, the commuter railroad announced on Tuesday.

The second phase involves building new bridges for inbound tracks over 11 streets on Chicago's North Side, along with constructing the inbound half of the new Ravenswood Station, Metra officials said in a press release.

During the project's first phase, crews built the bridges for the outbound tracks and completed retaining wall work.

The existing bridges are more than a century old and no longer can be "economically repaired and maintained," Metra officials said. The new bridges are expected to last for more than 100 years.

The Ravenswood Station work includes adding longer covered platforms and warming shelters, new lighting, space for a ticket office, vendor space, ramps, stairs and landscaping. The station is the busiest on the UP North Line outside of downtown Chicago, Metra officials said.

Work is expected to start this summer and last 2.5 years.

Metra will hold a pre-bid meeting March 22. Bids are due April 26.