Aug. 11--Many Metra Rock Island Line riders will face delays because of major track repairs starting Aug. 17 and lasting 10 weeks, the agency announced Tuesday.
Workers will replace 17,500 ties and resurface track over a nearly 25-mile stretch of the Rock Island Line between Blue Island and Joliet, Metra said.
A construction schedule will be in effect through Oct. 25 for midday trains on the Rock Island Line, and riders should expect delays of up to 10 minutes en route to their final destination, Metra said.
Some rush-hour trains may also experience delays because of slower operating speeds in work zones, the agency said.
The Rock Island Line carries nearly 30,000 passengers a day on 69 weekday trains.
Crews will be working seven days a week, with most of the work occurring between non-rush hours to minimize impacts to passenger service, officials said.
Metra urged riders to review the construction schedule at metrarail.com for more detailed information on the trains affected by the project.
Metra riders should expect a smoother ride and more reliable service as a result of the track work, Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno said in a statement.
"This project is a part of the regular maintenance necessary to keep our rail lines in the best condition possible. Tracks and ties are the foundation of the railroad and must be maintained or replaced on a regular basis," Orseno said.
Suburbs along the route may be subject to construction equipment noise as well as the need for trains passing through to sound their horns to alert work crews, Metra said.
rwronski@tribpub.com
