Elmwood Park station
| Company type | Commuter rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 1916 |
| Headquarters | Elmwood Park , United States |
Area served | Elmwood Park, Illinois |
| Products | Passenger rail services |
Elmwood Park serves as a stop on Metra's Milwaukee District West Line within Elmwood Park, Illinois, situated from the eastern endpoint at Chicago Union Station. Within Metra's fare zoning system, Elmwood Park falls under zone 2. In 2018, it was ranked as the 124th most frequented out of 236 non-downtown stations, averaging 388 boardings on weekdays.
By February 15, 2024, the station accommodates 41 trains during weekdays (20 inbound and 21 outbound), all 24 trains on Saturdays (12 in each direction), and all 18 trains on Sundays and holidays (nine per direction).
The facility includes two side platforms flanking three tracks; the central track does not have platform access, so trains that stop utilize the outer tracks. Trains from Metra's North Central Service pass through Elmwood Park without stopping.
A kiss-and-ride area is available on Grand Avenue for quick passenger drop-offs, integrated into the ongoing reconstruction initiatives along Grand Avenue.
Railroad crossing
Located just west of the station is the Grand Avenue railroad crossing, recognized as the longest grade crossing within the Chicago metropolitan region. Spanning , it intersects Grand Avenue at a sharp 10-degree angle, necessitating heightened caution from drivers due to its length and acute crossing angle. This crossing is used by both Metra and CPKC rail services.
Train crash
On November 23, 2005, train No. 107 of the North Central Service collided with six vehicles stalled on the crossing while traveling at . Although no fatalities resulted, multiple injuries were reported. Subsequently, train speeds in this vicinity were lowered from to , and additional warning signs were installed to enhance safety.
Proposed grade separation
The National Transportation Safety Board issued a recommendation for grade separation on June 10, 2008, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. Initially, the estimated $100 million expense hindered progress. Planning efforts recommenced in March 2020 as part of the Grand Gateway Project.
On April 6, 2021, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) allocated $24 million toward a grade separation initiative focused on lowering Grand Avenue beneath the railway tracks. Engineering funding of $3.1 million was added in December 2021. Furthering these efforts, $13 million in federal funds were secured on February 15, 2025, to advance the removal of this dangerous crossing.
Bus connections
- Route 319 – Grand Avenue (operates Monday through Saturday only)