UP plans trackwork on three Metra lines

Union Pacific Railroad will perform trackwork on three Metra lines, the Chicago-area commuter railroad announced yesterday.

On the UP North Line to Kenosha, Wis., UP plans to replace 1,500 ties between Evanston Main Street and Ravinia stations, and between Lake Forest and Waukegan, Ill. Crews also will repair a bridge south of the Ravenswood Station in Chicago.

In addition, UP workers will replace insulated joints on the UP West Line to Elburn, Ill. On the UP Northwest Line's McHenry branch, crews will replace more than 11,000 ties and part of the rail and ties where the line crosses with CN tracks in Barrington, Ill.

Smaller tie replacement projects also are planned for locations between the Ogilvie Transportation Center and the Clybourn Station, and between Barrington and Mount Prospect, Ill.

"This is the last opportunity to get the tracks in the best condition possible before winter weather sets in, and projects like these allow us to maintain the service speeds and frequency that our riders rely upon," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno.