Yesterday, Monday, June 8, Metra Rail reopened the east ends of the Downers Grove Main Street platforms following the morning rush. The Main Street station is couched in the heart of the village’s downtown area and serves as a primary commuter stop between downtown Chicago and far western Aurora.
Construction on the east ends of the station’s inbound and outbound platforms, which began in mid-April, was completed nearly a month ahead of schedule, to the relief of commuters and Grovers alike, who now that the warmer months are imminent will have full crosswalk access through the breadth of the downtown area bisected by the rail station. The $1.1 million project, which began last summer, replaced the existing platforms with new concrete.
In addition to the new platforms, the project also included pedestrian diversions on the east end of each platform at Washington Street; these safety features were designed to guide pedestrians away from the tracks to designated safe crossings. Foot traffic in and near the station is traditionally high, according to village officials, and these new diversions will both increase safety and also aid casual strollers in traversing the downtown area.
Metra and its contractor, John Burns Construction, will remain on site over the next week to complete minor tasks associated with the project. Commuter parking spaces that were taken out of service so that workers could stage material and equipment will be restored when all work at the station is completed.
