Metra kicks off construction season

It's the transit version of summer roadwork: Metra has launched its 2016 construction season with multiple bridge fixes, station upgrades and track repairs on tap.

The improvements should occur mostly after rush hour, planners said.

"It should have a minimum impact on service," spokesman Michael Gillis said. But commuters should expect some delays and speed reductions when crews are working near the tracks.

Here's a look at some suburban projects that should kick off this week and last through fall. About $200 million is budgeted.

• On the Milwaukee North Line, upgrades are occurring to the Northbrook, Grayland, Glenview, North Glenview and Mayfair stations. In addition, platforms at the Big Timber Station will be replaced.

• On the North Central Service, the platform surface at the Buffalo Grove station will be replaced.

• On the Union Pacific North Line, Metra will fix the roof at the Ravinia station and upgrade the interior of the Waukegan station.

• On the Union Pacific Northwest Line, the Mount Prospect station will be rehabbed with new windows, doors and a warming shelter.

• On the Union Pacific West Line, platform replacements are planned for the Villa Park and Winfield stations.

• The Riverside station on the BNSF Line will get its clay tile roof rehabbed.

• At Union Station, the stairs at the Madison Street entrance will be renovated. The entrance will remain open.

Railroad ties will be replaced along the Milwaukee North Line near Morton Grove: the UP North Line between Lake Bluff and Kenosha; the UP West Line between West Chicago and Elburn; the UP Northwest Line from Des Plaines to Barrington this spring, and from Mount Prospect to Barrington this fall; and on the BNSF Line between Chicago and Lisle.