This project, a Public-Private Partnership between Metra and the Union Pacific Railroad, will construct
two new segments of third mainline track on the Union Pacific West Line. One of the segments will be
between the Vale Interlocking at milepost 10.0 in River Forest and the 25th Avenue Interlocking at
milepost 11.8 in Melrose Park. The other segment will be between the Kress Interlocking at milepost
32.1 in West Chicago and the Peck Interlocking at milepost 38.4 in Geneva.
Improvements are anticipated for all four of the interlockers that bookend the two segments. Additionally,
a new interlocker may be constructed at milepost 35.4 between the Kress and Peck interlockers, which
will increase operational flexibility. The interlocker improvements and additions will be constructed to
meet Positive Train Control requirements.
Improvements along both segments will include, but not be limited to, trackwork, earthwork, sub-ballast,
structures, signal infrastructure, interlocking upgrades, and all work necessary at highway grade
crossings. Bridge improvements will be needed over both the Des Plaines River and the Fox River to
allow for the third mainline track. The project will also include platform relocations and improvements at
both the Maywood and Melrose Park stations, and platform, platform shelter, and parking improvements
at the Geneva station. Lastly, land acquisition may be required at various locations along the two
segments in areas where the right of way is not wide enough to accommodate the third main track within
the track centers required by the Union Pacific.