HARVEY, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Ground was broken Wednesday on the re-building of a Metra station in Harvey. Metra’s 147th Street/Sibley Boulevard Station is getting a $20,000,000 dollar rebuild.
It's the first upgrade in 30 years, according to Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski.
Attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony included Governor JB Pritzker, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, State Senator Napoleon B. Harris III, State Representative William Davis, Harvey Mayor Christopher J. Clark, Regional Transit Authority Chairman Kirk Dillard, and Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.
“Investment in transit, and making it affordable, is an essential part of addressing congestion on our roads while meeting the travel needs of residents, no matter where you live in Cook County. This is why prioritizing investments in transit is one of my top policy priorities,” said Preckwinkle.
“Station improvements like the ones we're celebrating today at the 147th Street Station represent a vital opportunity to make transit a more viable option for residents and visitors to the neighborhood. Projects like the one we're celebrating today infuse equity into our transit system, improve access to jobs and strengthen our neighborhoods.”
Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark also expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
“Better transportation for people of our community means a stronger Harvey,” he said in a statement. “I am excited that our great state and federal governments, as well as Metra, have invested in our community to build a better Harvey.”
The station will be closed during construction starting on May 16 for 12-15 months. Riders have two other options not too far away- Ivanhoe Station at 144th Street or the Harvey Station at 154th Street.
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