79th Street (Chatham) station
79th Street/Chatham is a powered commuter rail facility situated on the Metra Electric Main Line within Chicago's Chatham district. Positioned above 79th Street, it is located from the northern endpoint at Millennium Station. According to Metra's fare zoning, this station falls under zone 2. In 2018, it was ranked 212th among 236 non-central stations, averaging approximately 50 boardings on weekdays.
To the east lies another Metra Electric stop on 79th Street, part of the South Chicago Branch. Similar to much of the main line, 79th Street/Chatham is constructed on elevated tracks adjacent to a bridge spanning 79th Street, which also supports parallel Amtrak routes operating the City of New Orleans and Illini and Saluki services. Parking availability is confined to the southwest corner at the intersection of 79th Street and Woodlawn Avenue.
History
The station was temporarily closed on July 10, 2023, to undergo reconstruction aimed at facility upgrades and ADA compliance enhancements. Originally projected to last seven months, the renovation timeline extended by ten months, with reopening scheduled for December 16, 2024. This $34 million project demonstrates Metra’s dedication to updating essential transit infrastructure.
Just north of the station, the former Nickel Plate Railroad traversed over the Illinois Central tracks via an extended bridge.
Bus connections
- 79 79th (Owl Service)