Metra extends construction on BNSF Line for another week

Riders can continue to expect delays on Metra’s BNSF Line for at least another week as the transit agency works to replace more than 10,000 ties along nearly 23 miles of tracks.

The project, which started Aug. 27 and was expected to last until Friday, has been extended through Sept. 23, Metra announced Thursday. The transit agency is replacing worn ties between Roosevelt Road in Chicago and west suburban Lisle.

While most of the work will occur at night to minimize the impact on service, speed restrictions in the constructions zones will cause delays of five to 10 minutes for some rush hour and evening trains, Metra said.

The $1.5 million project is part of Metra’s larger construction program, which includes about $200 million in infrastructure improvements to 27 stations, 21 bridges and 24 road crossings, in addition to the replacement of 120,000 rail ties, Metra said.

“This is the type of maintenance that must be done on a continual basis so that we can maintain the track speeds and service levels our customers rely upon,” Metra Executive Director and CEO Don Orseno said in a statement.