The Rock Island Intercity Improvement Project (RI3 Project), a collaborative effort between Metra and Amtrak, is set to revolutionize rail operations on the Metra Rock Island Line. This ambitious project aims to increase service reliability, expand capacity, and modernize vital infrastructure for commuters and intercity passengers alike. The RI3 Project addresses long-standing maintenance needs and positions the Rock Island Line for future growth. This comprehensive initiative is divided into three key geographical sections to systematically upgrade the corridor.
Northern Section Improvements (17th to 74th Street, Chicago)
The northern segment of the RI3 Project, stretching from 17th Street just south of downtown Chicago to 74th Street, is focused on track expansion and modernization. A primary goal is the addition of a third mainline track along this busy corridor. This expansion will significantly improve operational flexibility and reduce bottlenecks. Key components of the northern section work include:
- Third Mainline Track Installation: Construction of a new third track, coupled with essential track and signal system upgrades, including strategically placed crossovers to facilitate train movements.
- Bridge Replacement and Construction: The project necessitates the replacement of nine existing railroad bridges to accommodate the expanded track infrastructure (two to four tracks). Additionally, ten new railroad bridges will be constructed to carry a single track over roadways.
- Retaining Walls and Access Roads: Installation of new retaining walls will ensure the stability of the track bed, and new access roads will improve maintenance accessibility.
- 35th Street/Lou Jones Station Upgrades: The improvements at 35th Street/Lou Jones Station are crucial, incorporating the third mainline track directly through the station. Furthermore, the station will undergo Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades to enhance accessibility for all passengers.
Middle Section: Reconfiguring 47th Street Yard
The central part of the RI3 Project concentrates on the vital 47th Street Yard. This section involves a complete reconfiguration of the yard to optimize train maintenance, increase midday storage capacity, and modernize training facilities for the Rock Island Line. The project recognizes the critical role of a well-functioning yard in maintaining a reliable rail service. The planned improvements include:
- Yard Track Redesign: A complete redesign of the 47th Street Yard track layout to streamline rail operations and enhance efficiency.
- New Railcar Maintenance Facility: Construction of a state-of-the-art railcar maintenance facility within the existing yard site. This new facility will significantly boost capacity for railcar and locomotive maintenance and rehabilitation, allowing Metra to return equipment to service more quickly and efficiently, minimizing service disruptions and improving fleet availability.
Southern Section: Modernization from 74th Street to Joliet
Extending from 74th Street to the Metra Joliet Station, the southern section of the RI3 Project focuses on signaling and infrastructure modernization along the Metra Rock Island Line. This segment will bring essential upgrades to enhance safety and efficiency. Key elements of the southern section include:
- Signaling and Grade Crossing Modernization: Comprehensive upgrades to signaling systems and grade crossings to improve safety and operational performance.
- Gresham Interlocking Enhancements: Modernization of the Gresham Interlocking, a critical junction on the line, to ensure smooth and reliable train movements.
- Crossover Additions and Upgrades: Installation of five new crossovers and upgrades to existing signal crossovers. These improvements will provide greater flexibility in train operations, allowing trains to switch tracks more easily and efficiently.
- Joliet Station Access Updates: Improvements to access at the Joliet Station, a major terminal on the line, to enhance passenger convenience.
- Intermediate Station Consideration: The project also includes the potential modification of an existing Metra station along the Rock Island Line to accommodate Amtrak train stops once service patterns are adjusted. The specific location of this station is under evaluation during the current design and planning phase of the RI3 Project. Platform modifications are also planned for Joliet Station to better accommodate Amtrak train boarding, reflecting the station’s role as a key intermodal hub.
Rock Island Line: A Vital Corridor
The Metra Rock Island Line is a crucial transportation artery, stretching 40 miles southwest from Chicago’s LaSalle Street Station to Joliet. Serving 26 stations across Cook and Will counties, it plays a significant role in regional connectivity. In 2019, the Rock Island Line carried 7.34 million passenger trips, demonstrating its importance as the fifth busiest among Metra’s eleven lines. The line also intersects with Amtrak services at Joliet Station, a major intermodal hub also serving Metra’s Heritage Corridor Line, Amtrak’s Texas Eagle, and Lincoln Service. While the RI3 Project focuses on the main Rock Island Line corridor, it’s important to note that the Beverly Branch, serving areas west of the mainline, is not included in the current project scope.
Project Funding and Timeline
The initial phases of the RI3 Project, including preliminary design and environmental assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), are funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Metra and its partners are actively pursuing local, state, and federal funding opportunities to advance the project through final design and construction. Currently in the design and planning phase, the RI3 Project anticipates a two-year final design phase following the completion of the NEPA environmental review. Construction is projected to commence once final design is complete and the necessary funding is secured, marking a significant step forward for Metra Rock Island and regional transportation.
Stay Informed on the RI3 Project
For those interested in staying updated on the Metra Rock Island RI3 Project, further information and project updates can be obtained by contacting the project team through the provided channels. Staying informed ensures community members and stakeholders can follow the progress of this transformative initiative.
