Commuter Overflow Lot Off Route 31 To Close Indefinitely

GENEVA, IL — The commuter overflow parking lot off Route 31 in Geneva will close indefinitely starting Friday, officials said.

Union Pacific is planning to build a third railroad line south of the current tracks, which span from Peck Road in Geneva to West Chicago, requiring the free lot to close during construction. During this time, the lot will be used as a construction staging area.

Signs will be posted in the area to notify drivers of the closure.

The project's anticipated start time is 2023, but city officials said they are still waiting to learn of the official start date. Once construction begins, it will last between 18 to 24 months.

Geneva officials said Union Pacific representatives are scheduled to provide a project update at the city's July 17 City Council meeting.

In addition to the commuter lot, the project will require a few more closures: the grade crossings on Western Avenue and Third Street as well as the Route 31 underpass for traffic. Officials said the closures will be staggered so only one crossing will be impacted at one given time.

On the whole, the Union Pacific project is "designed to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce conflicts between commuter and freight trains that share the line," according to updates provided by Geneva staff.

As more information becomes available, city staff will be updating the Third Main Line Construction page.

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