Representatives from Metra joined Alderwoman Hadden's Office for a meeting on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Rogers Park Branch Library for updates on its planned renovation to the Rogers Park station located at Lunt and Ravenswood. 

During the meeting, Metra unveiled plans to demolish the existing enclosed ground-level structure and build one at the track level instead. The structure would include heating lamps in the winter to help keep commuters warm. The plans also include widening the platform, allowing more train cars to open at the stop. Plans also include improved lighting, security cameras, and changes to the stairways and ramps. 

Community members expressed concerns that the changes to the stairways and ramps did not address the issues with blindspots that create safety hazards and conditions for other illicit activities. Residents also asked why a shelter was slated for only one side of the station when commuters also need to travel northbound. Metra said that they would take this feedback back to their team to see if they can tweak the design to improve visibility and if there was space to accommodate shelter on both sides of the tracks. 

Residents also expressed feedback about improvement opportunities surrounding the Metra station, including traffic calming measures along Lunt Avenue, parking reconfiguration opportunities on Ravenswood, coordinating with the CTA on the bus stop placement and shelter opportunities on Lunt, and the design and placement of bike racks at the Metra station. These additional items could improve the overall access to the train station, create a more pleasant commuter experience for all, and increase Metra's ridership. 

During our last meeting in 2024, Metra announced that work could begin on the renovations as early as 2025 on the new station. During our latest meeting, however, they announced that the project has experienced delays due to funding snags at the federal level. Unfortunately, we do not have an updated timeline for when construction will begin.

Our office will work closely with Metra and our federal partners to secure the federal funds that this station deserves for renovations. Metra serves as an economic engine for the entire Chicagoland region, and this renovation will serve as a catalyst for economic development in Rogers Park.