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7/29/2022
Metra officials yesterday marked the start of a $3.8 million rehabilitation project involving the historic Blue Island/Vermont Street Station on the Rock Island Line in Blue Island, Illinois.
The project calls for a complete interior renovation, roof renovation, reconstruction of original chimneys, door and window replacement, asbestos and lead-based paint abatement, new landscaping and accessibility improvements. The station was built in 1868 and served about 600 riders every weekday pre-pandemic, Metra officials said in a press release.
IHC Construction Cos. was awarded the $3.1 million contract for the work, while another $700,000 will cover construction management and flagging costs. The project is expected to be completed in fall.
"This project will create a more welcoming, more comfortable facility for riders of the Rock Island Line while retaining its historic nature," said Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski.
Project funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration, Metra's own funds and a grant from the Regional Transportation Authority of Chicago's Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement program.