Metra Upgrades To Improve Reverse-Commute Service In Lake Forest Begin

LAKE FOREST, IL — Metra has start has started work on infrastructure improvements in Lake Forest to allow the commuter rail service to operate an enhanced reverse-commute schedule for the long-term.

The work, funded by Metra on Metra-owned tracks, will include the installation of a crossover and other improvements to improve reliability and ensure on-time performance, according to an open letter from local lawmakers in support of the project.

The move follows the “Metra More” two-year pilot program, which aimed to improve access for people heading from Chicago to the northern suburbs in the morning, as well as those headed into the city at off-peak hours.

According to the letter from state Sen. Julie Morrison, State Rep. Bob Morgan, Lake County Board Member Paras Parekh, Lake Forest Mayor George Pandaleon and Lake County Partners CEO Kevin Considine, the pilot program was a success, quantifying the reverse-commute schedule's effects on ridership.

"A long-term reverse commute schedule will support business in Lake Forest, provide broader access to the best talent in the workforce, and improve area [residents'] service to and from Chicago," said the local elected officials.

The pilot was financed by local governments and private businesses including Lake Forest, Deerfield, Lake County, Abbvie, Horizon Pharma, Trustmark Insurance, Tenneco and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.

Under the terms of the pilot program, the backers agreed to pay for a new universal crossover switch near the west Lake Forest station, which will allow trains to turn around in Lake Forest.

The installation was expected to cost $4.75 million, with the public-private partnership called Lake County Partners footing $2.75 million of the bill and the remaining $2 million split evenly between Metra and local governments, Patch reported ahead of the launch of the pilot project.

In December, Metra announced upgrades to the Milwaukee District North line schedule, increasing midday service to hourly, adding a rush-hour trip to increase capacity and improving options for late evening and reverse-commute service.

“These changes are part of our commitment to My Metra riders to continue to make changes to their schedules in response to ridership trends and rider feedback,” Metra Executive Director and CEO Jim Derwinski said at the time.

According to the letter from local officials, the infrastructure work is not related to past discussions about the addition of a third freight track. Canadian Pacific did not participate in the pilot program.

"[W]e maintain our strong opposition to any plan that would increase freight traffic or add tracks on railways within the City of Lake Forest," the local officials said.

Earlier: Launch Date For Metra's Reverse-Commute Pilot Schedule Announced