Amtrak to spend $12M on Chicago Union Station rehab

CHICAGO (AP) - Amtrak will spend $12 million on renovations to Chicago's 90-year-old Union Station.

It's the country's third busiest rail terminal and often reaches maximum capacity. About 120,000 passengers pass through it each day, and waiting areas and platforms have become overcrowded.

Passengers have also complained of cold air blowing in through entrances, and twice this month sprinkler systems froze, causing pipes to burst.

Amtrak owns the station. Metra commuter rail service trains also use the terminal.

The new project will include planning and design work for a lager passenger concourse, safety improvements, better temperature controls and repairs to the building's facade.

Amtrak, the city and others have been working out plans to overhaul the station for several years.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office said Thursday a complete overhaul will require $500 million.