The 59th Street Metra station in Hyde Park is set to undergo a $74 million renovation, which will make the station accessible and improve its overall infrastructure. The project, scheduled to begin in early 2027, will include the removal and replacement of the station’s head houses and platforms, as well as the repair of the viaducts.

Station and Lane Closures

The station will be closed during construction, and passengers will be redirected to nearby stations. Partial closures are also expected along 59th and 60th streets, with 59th Street only open to westbound traffic between Harper Avenue and the Vista Homes apartments, and 60th Street only open to eastbound traffic between Blackstone Avenue and the parking lot at Stony Island Avenue.

The 60th Street entrance to the station, which was closed before Metra took over the old Illinois Central railroad in 1987, will reopen when the renovation is complete. The 59th and 60th street entrances will have a mirrored design, with elevators, relocated staircases, widened doors, and button-activated openers to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Project Funding and Timeline

The Federal Transit Administration has granted Metra $37.6 million towards the project, with additional funding coming from the state and the University of Chicago. The project is expected to be completed in 2030, with construction beginning in early 2027.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.