3rd Main Track 'Not Needed' In Lake Forest: Letter From Metra CEO

LAKE FOREST, IL — Metra wants to change its plans for a third main train in Lake Forest on the Chicago to Milwaukee rail line, according to a letter from company's CEO received last week by Mayor Rob Lansing. The commuter railroad decided upon review that a third main track will not been needed in Lake Forest for its current operations or the foreseeable future. Metra is the owner and operator of the track bed from Rondout to Chicago.

Metra indicates that it is focused on investing in its existing system to “work towards a state of good repair” and is not financially prepared to actively pursue major capacity expansions for decades to come, the letter said. In a statement, the mayor said he expected the news.

"This announcement is consistent with several conversations the city manager and I have had with Metra in recent months," Lansing said.

Metra proposed rebuilding an existing third track 2,500 feet south of Rondout for use by passenger trains moving through the Rondout interlocker. The plan will allow for simultaneous movement on both of the corridor’s two main tracks.

Plus, a proposal for a universal crossover is likely to minimize the need for the third track, while improving "reliability and fluidity of all rail operations in the corridor, including Metra, Amtrak, and freight trains," according to the letter.

Metra's study also confirmed the need for a second main train on the Fox Lake subdivision up to St. Mary's Road, an extension of the connecting track at A-20 between Metra and Union Pacific and a universal crossover in Glenview, in addition to Lake Forest.

Lansing thanked Metra's CEO and staff for "their forthright and honest appraisal of Metra’s operation and funding priorities superseding the third track proposal, and proposing community-respectful and cost-effective ways to extend railroad safety and efficiency" and everyone who expressed concerns regarding the proposed third track.

"Be assured that the City of Lake Forest will continue to be engaged in monitoring the service and safety of regional rail transportation,” the mayor said.

» Read the complete letter from Metra CEO James Derwinski dated May 18

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