Metra reopened its Grayland Station in Irving Park Thursday after nearly four years of construction.
The station serves the Milwaukee District North Line that connects Fox Lake to Union Station in downtown Chicago. Metra trains served Irving Park at a temporary platform over the course of the nearly $40 million project, said Metra spokesperson Michael Gillis.
The renovation included replacement of a railroad bridge built in 1899 that carried trains over Milwaukee Avenue. The bridge, which was used by Metra, Amtrak and freight trains, had caused operational delays because of its “deteriorating condition,” Metra said.
The project required the construction of a temporary bridge for trains to use during the construction period, teardown of the old bridge, construction of the new, permanent bridge and finally the teardown of the temporary bridge, Gillis said.
The new station has upgrades including ADA-compliant ramps and stairs and warming shelters with on-demand heating.
The project was mostly federally funded, with $16.5 million from the Federal Transit Administration and $17.8 million from the Federal Railroad Administration. Canadian Pacific railroad provided $2.3 million and Metra provided $2.9 million in fare revenue.
Trains began stopping at the new station Thursday.