One of Downtown Glen Ellyn's biggest infrastructure projects is getting closer to construction.

Plans for a new Downtown Glen Ellyn Metra station and pedestrian underpass are moving forward, with engineering now nearing completion and construction potentially beginning as soon as fall 2027.

The project would replace Glen Ellyn's existing train station, which dates back to the 1960s, while making major changes to how commuters and pedestrians move around the tracks.

And considering how heavily used this station has historically been, this isn't a small upgrade.

Before the pandemic, Glen Ellyn was the second-busiest station on Metra's Union Pacific West Line and the ninth-busiest among Metra's 233 non-downtown Chicago stations.

Here's what residents can expect.

Glen Ellyn's Current Station Is More Than 60 Years Old

The existing Downtown Glen Ellyn station was constructed in the 1960s.

While it has served generations of commuters, the Village is now preparing for a much larger modernization designed around today's accessibility, safety and commuter needs.

The centerpiece will be an entirely new station.

But the project goes well beyond replacing the building.

A Pedestrian Underpass Could Be One of the Biggest Changes

One of the most significant pieces of the project is a new pedestrian underpass beneath the railroad tracks.

Anyone familiar with Downtown Glen Ellyn knows just how much the Union Pacific West Line shapes movement through the downtown area.

The tracks effectively divide portions of downtown, and pedestrians regularly need to navigate active railroad crossings.

The proposed underpass would create another way for people to move between the north and south sides of the tracks without crossing directly at rail level.

That could improve both pedestrian safety and accessibility while making it easier to move around downtown.

Accessibility Is a Major Part of the Project

The new station is being designed with modern accessibility standards in mind.

That matters for commuters with mobility challenges, parents pushing strollers, travelers carrying luggage and anyone else who may find the existing station and track crossings difficult to navigate.

Combined with the pedestrian underpass, the improvements could significantly change the experience of using the station.

Instead of simply replacing an aging building, Glen Ellyn is using the project as an opportunity to rethink how people reach trains and move through the surrounding downtown.

This Is One of Metra's Busiest Suburban Stations

The number of people who have historically used Glen Ellyn's station helps explain the scale of the investment.

Before COVID-19 changed commuting patterns, Glen Ellyn ranked as the second-busiest station on the entire Union Pacific West Line.

It was also the ninth-busiest of Metra's 233 stations outside Downtown Chicago.

The UP-West Line provides service between Chicago and the western suburbs, making the Glen Ellyn station an important transportation connection for residents commuting into the city.

Its location in the middle of Downtown Glen Ellyn also means the station affects much more than commuters.

Restaurants, shops, businesses and nearby neighborhoods all interact with the station and surrounding pedestrian network.

The Project Could Change Downtown Glen Ellyn Too

The new station isn't happening in isolation.

Because the tracks run directly through the heart of Downtown Glen Ellyn, changes to the station and pedestrian connections could affect how people experience the entire downtown.

A safer and easier connection across the tracks could help residents move between businesses and destinations on both sides of the railroad.

For commuters, the improvements could make getting to and from trains easier.

For downtown businesses, better pedestrian connections could encourage people to spend more time exploring the area before or after their commute.

And for residents who aren't taking the train at all, the underpass could become another important way to navigate downtown.

When Will Construction Begin?

Construction isn't starting immediately.

The Village says engineering is nearing completion, with construction currently anticipated to begin as soon as fall 2027.

That timeline could still change as the project moves through its remaining engineering and construction preparations.

For now, the latest update represents another significant step toward getting the project underway.

Why This Project Matters

Train stations play a particularly important role in Chicago's western suburbs.

Many of the region's most established downtowns grew around their railroad connections, and Glen Ellyn is no exception.

But infrastructure designed decades ago doesn't always match the way communities operate today.

Replacing the station while improving accessibility and creating a pedestrian underpass gives Glen Ellyn an opportunity to modernize one of its most heavily used pieces of downtown infrastructure.

And because of where the station sits, the benefits could extend beyond commuters.

The project could improve connections between neighborhoods, downtown businesses, pedestrians and public transportation.

FAQs

Is Glen Ellyn getting a new Metra station?

Yes. Plans are moving forward to replace the existing Downtown Glen Ellyn Metra station with a new station as part of a larger improvement project.

Will there be a pedestrian underpass?

Yes. The project includes a new pedestrian underpass beneath the railroad tracks, designed to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.

How old is the current Glen Ellyn train station?

The existing station was constructed in the 1960s, making it more than six decades old.

When will construction start?

The Village says construction could begin as soon as fall 2027, with engineering currently nearing completion.

Which Metra line serves Glen Ellyn?

Glen Ellyn is served by Metra's Union Pacific West Line, which connects Chicago with communities throughout the western suburbs.

How busy is the Glen Ellyn Metra station?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Glen Ellyn was the second-busiest station on the Union Pacific West Line and ranked ninth among Metra's 233 stations outside Downtown Chicago.

Final Thoughts

For decades, Glen Ellyn's train station has been one of the gateways to the community.

Now, one of Downtown Glen Ellyn's most recognizable pieces of infrastructure is preparing for a major transformation.

A new Metra station, improved accessibility and a pedestrian underpass could change not only the commuting experience but also how residents move through the heart of downtown.

There's still time before construction begins, with work currently anticipated as soon as fall 2027.

But with engineering nearing completion, this long-discussed project is another step closer to becoming reality.