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On Jan. 30, Metra announced plans to build a 55-mile line that would connect nearly 100 suburban communities with commuter-rail service.



The STAR line is designed to extend Metra’s service to Chicago’s growing suburbs. The project also would position Illinois among the leaders in the nation for inter-suburban commuter-rail connectivity, according to a prepared statement.




The route is outlined in two segments — the Outer Circumferential Segment (OCS), which runs from Joliet to Hoffman Estates via the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway corridor; and the Northwest Corridor Segment (NCS), connecting the OCS to the I-90 corridor via a connection at Prairie Stone east. NCS runs to O’Hare International Airport, to the Des Plaines Oasis, then south on the freight railroad corridor, back to the airport and the CTA connection at a proposed new western terminal.



Metra officials believe the two segments can be extended in the future. The route could extend east from Joliet, north and east from Prairie Stone, south along the Route 53/I-290 corridor, and from O’Hare to Midway Airport.



The line is "the most innovative transportation proposal the region has seen since the advent of the interstate highway system," said Jeffrey Ladd, chairman of Metra’s Board of Directors. "The STAR line begins to create a dynamic transportation grid that will deliver commuter-rail service and give suburban motorists an alternative to the automobile."



The line would lie within five miles of many of the region’s new housing developments, major hospitals, college campuses, shopping malls and business headquarters.



On the line, Metra plans to use Diesel Multiple Unit trains, which are 12 times more fuel-efficient than the agency’s existing equipment. Metra expects the new project to decrease roadway congestion as more people begin riding the rail system.



The proposed project — which currently has no start date — is contingent upon the agency receiving funding, says Tom Miller, Metra’s senior media relations specialist. If funding is received — including possible federal dollars — Metra expects the work to take 10 to 12 years to complete.



Metra also announced the agency is requesting funding for three initiatives designed to address efficiency and increased customer satisfaction.




The agency plans to upgrade service on the Union Pacific Northwest Line. Metra is preparing for increased demand on the line because population and job-based development is expected to grow significantly.



Metra also expects to improve the Union Pacific West Line. The agency wants to create greater flexibility along the route to manage freight congestion and increase frequency and efficiency of the line’s commuter service.



Finally, Metra plans to update the configuration of seven tracks on the A-2 Interlocker feeding into two major downtown Chicago stations. If completed, the new configuration will allow Metra’s trains to operate at higher speeds through the intersection.



— Angela Claypool