Metra Electric line project connecting Flossmoor to Chicago begins Monday

FLOSSMOOR, Ill. (WLS) -- Metra and municipal officials begin work Monday on the commuter train station that connects Flossmoor to downtown Chicago on the Metra Electric line.

The project for the station on Sterling Avenue south of Flossmoor Road will have a groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon. Village President Paul Braun, along with Metra board member and South Holland Village President Don DeGraff and Executive Director Don Orseno, are expected to attend.

The project will replace the existing platform, its concrete foundation and the north and south supporting walls. It is expected to cost about $4 million, with most of the funds coming from a state bond program, according to Metra spokesman Michael Gillis.

About 1,000 people use the Flossmoor station on weekdays. The station will remain open to passenger service as the initial phase of the project will focus on the south end of the station. When the south end work is completed in autumn, work will be done on the north end.

The entire project is expected to be complete early in 2015.