A retaining wall supporting the ramp leading to Waukegan’s Metra station and west parking lot partially fell on June 25, leading to continuing construction repairs and closure of the lot.
No injuries were reported.
Mayor Sam Cunningham said the city learned of the wall collapse in the early morning hours of that day. City personnel wasted little time dealing with the situation before further damage could send large concrete blocks onto the railroad tracks, disrupting commuter traffic during the morning rush.
“We connected with Metra,” Cunningham said. “The trains were slowed for safety. We got in touch with the Union Pacific because they control the tracks. We got the contractor out there within 12 hours.”
The southwest Metra station parking lot, as well as the entrance and exit ramps to it off Washington Street in Waukegan, remained closed Tuesday as construction crews continued to rebuild the wall.
Passengers were boarding and departing trains on both the north and southbound tracks Monday afternoon. The small north parking lot on the west side of the station was open. Pace buses use the area to get people to and from the station.
Other than using the north lot on the west side of the station, people can use the east parking area and access the depot. Drivers can take Grand Avenue east from Sheridan Road to Pershing Road, and then go south to the station entrance.
David Motley, the city’s public relations director, said after the initial portion of the southernmost wall was removed, additional parts of the structure were later taken down as part of the repair project.
Though the completion of the work is undetermined, Cunningham said finishing the project quickly and safely is important for the city and its residents. He has made maintaining and improving infrastructure a major goal of his administration.
“Once we learned of the wall collapse, we quickly called Campenella & Sons to start excavating immediately,” he said. “We contacted Metra to make them aware. They have a role to play. Infrastructure is an essential part of our rebuilding of Waukegan.”
