Metra gears up for major tie replacement project

Metra next month will replace 17,000 ties over a 17-mile single-track span along the Milwaukee District North Line.

The Chicago commuter railroad also will replace five switches, perform brush clearing and continue to upgrade the signal system in preparation for a positive train control (PTC) system.

The project will take place between Metra's stations in Libertyville and Fox Lake, Illinois. Work will begin April 5 and continue through April 27.

"Track projects like this are absolutely essential to maintaining safe and high quality rail service," said Metra Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Jim Derwinski in a press release.