Heads Up, Commuters: Construction on Metra Station Begins Monday

Oak Forest commuters, be ready for some changes starting Monday morning. 

Platform #1 cannot be used during construction, and pedestrians should use the center pedestrian walk located south of 158th, near the station. The two crossings east of the station will be out of service. 

Parking at the station became a bit trickier in November, as the main lot was shut down. Handicapped spaces were consolidated to the west side of the current station, with a new accessibility ramp near the west stairs. Daily handicapped parking payment can be made at the payment box near the parking area.

For all other daily commuters, parking is being moved to lots on Oak Street, 157th Street and Waverly Avenue.

The new $3.4 million Metra station was expected to break ground in July. It will feature several amenities, including a warming shelter, restrooms, indoor and outdoor seated waiting areas and a geothermal heating system.

Two grants will help pay for the project. Oak Forest received $1 million from the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association and $1.3 million from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The current station in Oak Forest serves about 1,600 weekday passengers and is on the Rock Island District route.

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