A press release from Metra:
“This is a long-awaited opportunity to improve LaSalle Street Station for our customers,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “Other than maintenance projects, it’s been more than 25 years since significant improvements were made to the concourse area.”
The project will include the replacement of the surface of the 20,000-square-foot concourse area, as well as the replacement of a number of support pillars. The new surface will feature granite pavers and decorative medallions. Granite is a more durable material than the current concrete surface and will improve the overall aesthetics of the concourse area.
Work will be phased, limiting access to different sections of the concourse and platforms as the renovations progress. Contractors plan to work around the clock to minimize the impact on Rock Island Line customers. The first phase will resurface the east side of the concourse, with work then progressing to the west side and finally, to the platform entrances. Signage and barricades will be placed throughout the station to direct the flow of pedestrian traffic as each phase proceeds. Work begins March 26 and is expected to be completed in mid-July.
The renovation work will be performed by Chicago-based Blinderman Construction, which was awarded the contract through a competitive bidding process.
LaSalle Street Station serves as the downtown terminal for Metra’s Rock Island Line to Joliet. The existing station, built in 1993, is used by more than 13,000 people each weekday.
Project updates will be provided on Metra’s website under the heading “Service Alerts.”