Commuters who rely on the Metra Electric Line are set to experience some changes starting March 3, with the reopening of the 103rd St./Rosemoor Station and the simultaneous closure of the 95th St./Chicago State University Station. The closure of the latter is due to a much-needed two-year rehab project, according to Metra. The station at 95th Street, which serves as a conduit to Chicago State University, will undergo a $33.4 million rehabilitation and expansion geared towards improving accessibility and enhancing the connection to the educational institution.
Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski said, "We are prioritizing improvements on the Metra Electric Line to make the line more accessible to persons with disabilities.” Derwinski added, “At the same time, the 95th Street project is an opportunity to grow our relationship with Chicago State University and build a station that better connects students to educational opportunities and increases mobility options for area residents,” as stated by Metra. Commuters will need to adjust their routes accordingly, utilizing either the 91st St./Chesterfield station or the newly revamped 103rd St./Rosemoor Station during the interim.
Meanwhile, the 103rd St./Rosemoor Station's reopening marks the progression of the Metra Electric Community Initiative. As part of a $33.9 million construction contract, this station, along with the 79th Street and 87th Street stations, are getting upgrades that include ADA-accessible entrances, lobbies with elevators, and improved facilities, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Funding for the 103rd St./Rosemoor upgrade came from the Rebuild Illinois capital program, an initiative contributing to the modernization of 13 stations on the line stretching from downtown to the far south suburbs.
As part of the renovations, the 95th St./Chicago State University Station will see its existing headhouse, platform, and stairs replaced. A new street-level entrance on 95th Street, featuring a storefront, and a new elevator will also be created. Furthermore, the station will get a full-length canopy for weather protection – and, the project will foster a stronger campus connection, with a new tunnel entrance along with a walkway and bike lane leading to a new commuter parking lot. The project, funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital program, Cook County, and a Federal Transit Administration grant, is expected to reopen in the third quarter of 2027, as per Metra.
