Will Montgomery Get A Metra Station?

MONTGOMERY, IL — With the region's population and travel demand growing, Metra is considering an expansion of its commuter rail service into Kendall County. One of its proposed stations could be in Montgomery.

The Kendall Extension Study is examining the feasibility of extending the BNSF commuter rail line beyond the existing end of the line in Aurora. The study is looking at new outlying yard locations in addition to new commuter rail stations at Montgomery, Oswego, Yorkville, Plano and Sandwich.

The Kendall Extension Study Project Team, in coordination with Metra, is inviting residents to learn more about the study results including the environmental analysis, ridership analysis, the station and yard designs and the cost and funding options.

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The study estimates that this project will cost approximately $400 million to $700 million to construct the extension stations and required yard and infrastructure improvements. Operations and maintenance would cost between $6 million and $14 million each year.

A virtual open house meeting will be held via Zoom from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Click here to join. Residents can also submit questions by 5 p.m. Tuesday to KendallExtension@metrarr.com.

The study is funded through previously secured federal earmarked funds that are only eligible for use on this effort, according to the Metra website. The results of the study will help local municipalities and governments make decisions about how to proceed. New local funding will be needed to design, construct, operate and maintain the extension.

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The website also states that extending commuter rail service to Kendall County — beyond the six-county Regional Transportation Authority service area — would require approval from BNSF, RTA and Metra. It may also require potential changes in state law.

The study started in summer 2019, and the first round of open houses was held in December 2019. The open houses provided an opportunity for the public to learn about the overall project, including the study elements and station site options and to pose questions to project staff. A final survey will be available after the meeting Wednesday and will close March 24.

Click here for more information about the Kendall Extension Study.

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