Metra OKs $3 million contract to renovate Calumet Station

Metra's board yesterday awarded a $3 million contract to John Burns Construction Co. to renovate the Calumet Station on the Metra Electric Line.

The work includes renovation of the station buildings and warming houses, rebuilding platforms, renovating the elevator, replacing stairs at both ends of the station, adding new platform lighting and repairing masonry.

The Calumet Station renovation project is part of Metra's 2016 construction program, which includes about $200 million in infrastructure improvements at 27 stations, 21 bridges and 24 grade crossings, along with the replacement of 120,000 ties.

"This is one of the most significant station renovation projects we will be doing … this year and we are excited to have a contractor on board to begin this work," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno in a press release. "We look forward to a new facility that will serve as a welcoming gateway to Metra and to the nearby community for many years to come."

Work will begin this summer and is expected to take about one year to complete.

Located in East Hazel Crest, Ill., Calumet Station serves about 1,200 Metra customers each day.