Glen Ellyn's planned new Metra station and pedestrian underpass could break ground as early as fall 2027, the village announced Wednesday, Sept. 16.
The $54.5 million project would replace the current downtown station, built in the 1960s, with a new station building, an ADA-accessible pedestrian tunnel beneath the Union Pacific tracks, warming shelters, expanded bike parking and improved sidewalks on both sides of the tracks. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Glen Ellyn ranked as the second-busiest station on Metra's Union Pacific West Line.
Phase II engineering is roughly 95% complete, according to the village's project update. Final design work is expected to wrap up by the end of 2026. The Illinois Department of Transportation approved preliminary engineering in March, clearing the way for the project to advance.
Timeline hinges on railroad deal
The construction schedule depends on land negotiations with Union Pacific Railroad. The village has completed a required plat for railroad easements and expects to make an offer to Union Pacific by the end of 2026. If those talks go well, competitive bidding could open in summer 2027.
According to the village's update, the project could go out for competitive bidding in summer 2027, with construction beginning as early as that fall. That language marks a shift from the village's October 2025 priority report, which had targeted bidding in late 2026 and a construction start in early 2027. The Q3 2025 report did not cite a reason for the roughly six-to-nine-month delay.
Cost climbed $9.4 million
The village has locked in about $26.8 million in outside funding from federal, state and regional sources. The largest share, $14.4 million, comes from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ).
Other grants include $5 million from the Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund, $4 million from Metra, $2 million in federal community funding and $1.4 million through the Local Surface Transportation Program. The project is also on a contingency list for roughly $10 million in additional federal money.
The total price tag has climbed from $45.1 million, the figure listed on the village's project page in January 2025, to the current $54.5 million estimate. The village has not explained the increase.
What the project includes
Beyond the station and underpass, the scope covers platforms, designated accessible drop-off and pick-up zones and Phase 4 of the village's downtown streetscape and utility project. That phase will bring new underground utilities, reconstructed streets and sidewalks to Crescent Boulevard between Main and Park and Forest Avenue between Duane and Pennsylvania.
Downtown disruptions ahead
The village warned that parking, traffic and pedestrian access around the station will be affected during construction. Several parking areas will be unavailable, including spaces used by permit holders. The village said it will share a detailed schedule as the construction timeline firms up.
The Architectural Appearance Commission recommended approval of the amended exterior design in July 2026. Plan Commission and Village Board reviews of the design and zoning approvals are expected in fall 2026.
