Homewood Metra tunnel to close March 13

Metra will close access to the tunnel on the east side of Homewood Station on March 13 as work begins on station rehabilitation. Metra Electric Line and Amtrak riders at Homewood will need to park and board from the west side of the station throughout the project, which is expected to take two years.

In preparation for construction, Pace will relocate its bus stop from the east side of the tracks on Harwood Avenue to the west side of the tracks on Park Avenue beginning March 6 until the project is complete.

The station rehabilitation includes the construction of a new, ADA-accessible headhouse on the east side as well as the installation of new drainage, ventilation, lighting, and interior finishes in the existing tunnel, which dates to 1911, and replacement of the elevator connecting the tunnel to the platform. The project also includes a ramp as well as the renovation of the platform, wind breaks, warming house, and gatehouse. A new Pace bus facility, including a drive aisle, three bus slips, a covered waiting area, and driver relief facilities, is also part of the project.

Metra’s Homewood Station project follows a significant investment by Amtrak to rehab its part of the shared facility. That work added an enclosed ramp on the west side of the tracks, allowing all customers to access the tunnel under the tracks to both the Amtrak and the Metra train platform; other ADA improvements to the unique former Illinois Central Railroad station (built in 1923), including the waiting areas and restrooms; and a level path between the building, parking, and the stairway/ ramp entrance to the tunnel.

The project is part of the Metra Electric Community Initiative, a transformative, multiyear plan to renovate and make accessible 13 stations on the Metra Electric Line through the South Side and south suburbs.