Joliet's Metra, Amtrak Users Get New Heritage Platform

(The following news bulletin was posted on the city of Joliet website)

JOLIET, IL - The new Heritage Corridor Platform will open to the public on Monday, Feb. 12. This new raised brick paver platform is located between the tracks for boarding of Amtrak or Metra Heritage Corridor trains on either side. Access to the platform is thru two new pedestrian tunnels. The main entrance for the south tunnel is thru the portico entrance of the new train station located on Mayor Art Schultz Drive between Washington Street and Jefferson Street. The station building itself is not open to the public, only the tunnel. The north tunnel entrance is located on Mayor Art Schultz Drive between Van Buren Street and Clinton Street. Both tunnels have stairs and an elevator for ADA access to the new platform. Both Amtrak and Metra ticket trailers are still open for ticket sales.

Mayor Art Schultz Drive between Van Buren Street and Clinton Street has been reopened to vehicular traffic. When dropping off or waiting to pick up at this location please ensure that your vehicle is in a designated parking area and not blocking thru traffic.

Mayor Art Schultz Drive south of Jefferson is still closed to vehicles north of the alley. The parking lot at the corner of Mayor Art Schultz Drive and Jefferson Street is not yet available for public use. Portions of the lot, sidewalks, and street are still signed and fenced as active construction zones. Use caution and watch for activity when walking or driving in this area.

The temporary Heritage Corridor wooden platform, stairs, and ramp will be permanently closed. The structure will be removed entirely this spring. There will be additional sidewalk sign panels to direct pedestrians to the new tunnel entrance points.

These changes have no impact on the Metra Rock Island Line facilities or users. For additional information, contact the City of Joliet Department of Public Works at 815-724-4200.

Image via Chicago Patch