After nearly two years of work, the Homewood Metra station renovation is complete, increasing ADA accessibility and breathing new life into the 100-plus-year-old station.
The eastern entrance — the final portion of the 20-month, $21 million project — reopened to riders Monday. Much of the station, which serves Amtrak, Metra and Pace, opened to the public in May, though accessibility features, such as the new elevator, weren’t finished until this month.
Homewood Village President Rich Hofeld said during the project, new developments such as residential buildings, shops and restaurants were added to the area surrounding the station.
“Homewood is excited to open the facility and reconnect the commuters to downtown Homewood,” Hofeld said in a news release.
The east head house was made more accessible with a new ramp, wind breaks, warming house and gatehouse, as well as a renovated platform.
The tunnel, which was built in 1911, also has new drainage, ventilation, lighting and interior finishes, as well as new stairs and elevators connecting it to the platform. A new space for Pace buses to operate out of — with three bus bays, a covered waiting area, and driver facilities — was also added.
The project was funded by local, state and federal funds, with the bulk of the money coming from Amtrak funds to ensure its compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Our region’s riders deserve world-class public transportation, including accessible, safe and comfortable stations,” said Regional Transportation Authority Board Chair Kirk Dillard. “The redeveloped Homewood Metra station is a shining example of what is possible when agencies work together.”
