Metra to replace Canal Street grade crossing

Metra crews tomorrow will begin work to replace and resurface the Canal Street grade crossing in Chicago. 

Crews will remove and replace rails, ties, ballast, rubber panels and asphalt to ensure safe railroad operations and a smoother ride for motorists traveling over the tracks, Metra officials said in a press release. 

During the project, the intersection will be closed until May 1.

The Canal Street crossing is one of the busiest on the Metra system, with 224 train movements passing through it on a typical weekday. 

The crossing is used by trains on Metra's Milwaukee District North Line, West Line and the North Central Service, as well as by Metra equipment traveling to and from the railroad’s Western Avenue Yard for daily maintenance.

Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service to Milwaukee and Empire Builder Service to Portland, Oregon, and Seattle also use the crossing.