METRA TIPS/PHOTOS
ELECTRIC DISTRICT
This was Chicago's first real commuter rail line, with service beginning in 1856, and it is one of Metra's busiest lines. Electrification was completed in 1926, eliminating concern among some that the old steam locomotives were polluting the park lands along the lakefront. The original electric MU cars remained in service until the 1970's, when they were replaced with the double deck Highliner cars. The multi-tracked non-electric Illinois Central, now Canadian National main line parallels to the east, carrying freight and Amtrak trains. The line turns away from the lakefront in the Hyde Park area near the Museum of Science and Industry, and the area becomes a mixture of industrial and older residential. Canadian National's Markham freight yard extends from Harvey to Homewood, and the south end of the yard at Homewood is a popular train watching spot. Another popular train watching spot is Dolton, which can be reached from the Riverdale station by walking several blocks east on 138th Street. The Metra Electric line ended at Richton Park until 1977, when the 2 mile extension was completed to University Park in an area which is still quite rural. Except for a private road crossing on the University Park extension, the main line is completely grade separated. Freight traffic is moderate on the Canadian National main line. The South Chicago Branch leaves the main line south of 67th Street and goes to grade level, utilizing the medians of city streets and a private right-of-way through an old industrial area on its way to 91st Street. And the Blue Island Branch leaves the main line at Kensington, and passes through a residential area and an old industrial area at grade level. This branch ends near the Metra Rock Island District station on Vermont Street. There is no Sunday service on the Blue Island Branch.
Speed Limit: 65 mph
67th Street-South Chicago: 30 mph
Kensington-Blue Island: 30 mph
Scenes along the main line.
Scenes along the two branches.