Metra and a variety of state and local officials today celebrated the reopening of the 147th Street/Sibley Boulevard Station on the Metra Electric Line in Harvey following a more than two-year project to completely rebuild and upgrade the facility.
The station, which reopened to passengers on Oct. 28, now features a new elevator that makes it accessible to people with disabilities, a new covered staircase, a kiss & ride lane, bicycle parking, improved pedestrian pathways, a new platform covered by a canopy, and warming shelters.
The project was the first significant upgrade to the facility in nearly three decades. Elgin-based IHC Construction Companies LLC oversaw construction on the $20.8 million project, which was funded by the state’s Rebuild Illinois program, the Federal Transit Administration, and a Cook County Invest in Cook grant. IHC committed to subcontracting 25% of the work to minority and women-owned firms.
“We are excited to officially open the 147th Street Station, which will serve as a welcoming gateway to the city of Harvey and to our system,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “Metra’s investment at 147th Street and our ongoing program to improve stations along the Metra Electric Line and across our system make our service more attractive and easier to use.”
"When my administration launched the historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan, our mission was clear: revitalize neglected infrastructure for communities across the state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "The newly reopened 147th Street Metra Station delivers on that promise with accessible features like a new elevator, a covered platform, and warming shelters. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of IDOT and Metra, the upgraded station will enhance daily commutes for Harvey residents, making travel safer, more efficient, and accessible."
“The reopening of the 147th Street/Sibley Boulevard Station is a significant milestone for the City of Harvey, symbolizing progress and growth for our community," said Mayor Christopher J. Clark. "This state-of-the-art facility enhances connectivity, providing easier access to essential services for our residents and visitors. We are proud to see this investment come to life and commend Metra's dedication to modernizing infrastructure and supporting the future of Harvey. I look forward to welcoming everyone to this new gateway, which stands as a testament to our bright future as we continue building a better Harvey.”
"Harvey residents have waited a long time for upgrades to their Metra station, and passengers will now have a completely different experience," said Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02). "Public transportation is often key to physically connecting people to job opportunities, doctor appointments, education, and more. When we invest in public transportation, we invest in our communities."
“I appreciate the investment Metra is making in the city of Harvey and in its residents who rely on viable mass transit,” said State Rep. William Davis. “This new station provides a safe and sustainable place for commuters while they travel throughout the southland. ”
“This project is another example of how IDOT under Gov. Pritzker is improving quality of life and modernizing infrastructure across all modes of transportation up and down the state through the Rebuild Illinois capital program,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We are proud to work with Metra, the city of Harvey and all other stakeholders to make this day possible and position the community surrounding the station for long-term economic growth and opportunity.”
With funding from the RTA, Metra will also host a special “Metra Harvest Fest” for the Harvey community in the station’s parking lot on Saturday, Nov. 2. The free event, which will run from noon to 3 p.m., will feature music, games, activities, food trucks, and giveaways. Metra wants to thank Harvey residents for their patience during the station closure and hopes they will come out to see all the improvements and be excited to use the new facility.
