Elmhurst station (Illinois)
| Company type | Commuter railroad station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 1890 |
| Headquarters | Elmhurst, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Commuter rail services |
Elmhurst is a Metra commuter railroad station situated in the heart of downtown Elmhurst, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. It lies along the Union Pacific West Line, positioned from the line's eastern endpoint.[1] Service runs eastbound toward Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center and westbound to Elburn, Illinois. Journey durations to Ogilvie vary between 26 minutes on express services and 39 minutes on local trains, while some evening peak departures complete the trip in as little as 24 minutes.
In 2018, Elmhurst was ranked as the fourth busiest station out of Metra’s 236 non-downtown stops, with an average weekday boarding figure of 2,540 passengers.[2] Inbound trains (with the exception of train no. 38) utilize the north platform, whereas outbound services and train no. 38 operate from the south platform.
As of February 16, 2024, all 58 weekday trains (29 in each direction) stop at Elmhurst, along with every one of the 20 Saturday trains (10 each way) and all 18 Sunday and holiday trains (nine per direction).
The station is at ground level on York Street, nestled between 1st Street and Park Avenue. Nearby points of interest include Elmhurst University and the Wilder Park Conservatory. Pace suburban bus routes serve stops located on York Street and 1st Street. Due to its close proximity to Union Pacific's Proviso yard, Metra occasionally routes trains onto the center track to bypass freight traffic; since this track lacks a platform, passengers board and disembark through the train’s cab car at the York Street crossing.
Station History
During the 19th century, Elmhurst developed around the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, which later became part of the Union Pacific West Line. A modest freight depot was erected in the 1880s to support agricultural activities and local commerce. This original Elmhurst facility was not designed for passenger use.
Following the initiation of commuter rail service to Chicago by the Chicago and North Western Railroad, a dedicated passenger depot was constructed east of the freight building in 1894. This station included two platforms catering separately to inbound and outbound travelers. The freight depot was also expanded nearby. The station built in 1894 remained operational for seven decades until it was demolished and replaced during 1964–1965.
The current structure is smaller in scale and exhibits characteristics typical of mid-century modern architecture. Most enhancements took place after commuter operations were assumed by the Chicago Regional Transportation Authority, later known as Metra, in 1974. In 1987, platforms were lengthened and safety markings were introduced. A comprehensive renovation occurred in 1989, fully funded by Metra amid Elmhurst’s downtown revitalization efforts; this included installation of a new roof, extended platforms, a pedestrian underpass, heat lamps, and upgraded passenger information systems. Additionally, two parking garages were built to accommodate rising ridership despite initial public opposition.
Planning for an overhaul of the nearly six-decade-old station began in 2016, with proposals including potential relocation options. Early design concepts incorporate architectural features reminiscent of the original 1894 station.[3]
Bus connections
- 309 Lake Street
- 332 River Road - York Road
External links
- ↑ "Metra Railfan Tips - Union Pacific/West Line". Archived from the original on May 7, 2010.
- ↑ "Commuter Rail System Station Boarding/Alighting Count: Summary Results Fall 2018" (PDF). metrarail.com. April 2019.
- ↑ "Metra Station and Site Improvement Project - Architecture & Building Commission Meeting #1". August 27, 2020.