The ongoing Metra construction project in the Old Irving Park neighborhood is causing further delays, extending the reopening of Milwaukee Avenue between Kilbourn and Kenneth Avenues to June 2024, Block Club Chicago details. Initially to be completed in December 2022, this project entails upgrading Grayland station and replacing a century-old railroad bridge.
Due to delays in obtaining required permits and the impending winter conditions, the completion schedule of the project has changed. This has raised the local residents' concerns, as the ongoing construction has resulted in roadblocks, detours, noise issues, and poor communication. Particularly, residents express discontentment towards IHC Construction, the company in charge of the project, and Metra officials due to their failure to communicate effectively and unnecessary noise from early morning construction.
In an attempt to respond to these concerns, Metra officials established a project website and halted all contravening early-morning construction. Regardless, they further claim to have completed 56 percent of the construction as of November 2023 according to Metra. The project, which includes the bridge scheduled for completion this month, is expected to continue till the end of 2024. The proposed improvements for the station at 3729 N. Kilbourn Ave. includes full ADA compliance, better lighting, and on-demand heat shelters.
Furthermore, to align with public safety measures and hasten the construction process, the complete closure of Milwaukee Avenue was implemented. Nadig Newspapers notes that originally, the road was planned for phased lane closures. However, due to frequent wrong-way driving incidents, the decision to close the street completely was taken.
Additionally, Nadig Newspapers mentions that the representative of Metra, Kevin Nolan, stated that the reopening timeline of Milwaukee Avenue is uncertain and weather-dependent. Responding to residents' allegations about damage caused to their homes by the construction, an attorney confirmed representing a group of residents negatively affected by the project.
A virtual town hall was hosted to fix ongoing communication issues with the construction project by Alderwoman Ruth Cruz of the 30th Ward on August 16. Various concerns about noise levels and a lack of clarity regarding the project's progress were raised by residents during the meeting. Cruz encouraged residents to subscribe to the ward newsletter for updates related to the Metra construction and other local happenings.
While residents impacted by the construction are hoping for quick resolution and improved communication from Metra officials, the project continues to influence the neighborhood's daily life. The project, aiming to enhance train reliability by minimizing slow zones and track closures, now schedules the reopening of Milwaukee Avenue for June 2024.
