Switch project means delays, platform changes for Metra riders at Union Station

Amtrak will begin a 40-day project to revamp switches on the south end of Union Station, and that could mean delays and platform changes for riders on the BNSF, SouthWest Service and Heritage Corridor lines.

The project will begin on Monday, July 6, and continue until Labor Day. While much of the actual construction work will be done overnight and on weekends, minor delays are expected, a statement from Metra said.

“This project, while it has the potential to create a short-term inconvenience for our passengers, is absolutely essential for safe and reliable service,” Metra Director/CEO Don Orseno said in a statement issued by the commuter railroad. “We will be working closely with Amtrak and BNSF to minimize the disruption and keep our riders informed.”

Work will be performed on what is known as “Control Point Harrison,” a junction located under the new post office building. That control point handles the majority of train traffic at Union Station, and this project will replace six key switch and turnout points that are used primarily by Metra trains to access Tracks 2 through 14 on the south side of Union Station, the statement said.

Due to limited tracks and switching points available, Metra expects that some evening and weekend trains will be moved to different platforms than they usually operate from. Furthermore, BNSF, SouthWest Service, and Heritage Corridor lines “should also expect minor delays in schedule,” Metra said.