More details on Northwest Line improvements

A new station in Ridgefield is just one of several planned improvements Metra is working on.

Here are some more details on the $507 million project from Michael Gillis of Metra Media Relations: The Northwest Line project will add two new coach yard facilities in Woodstock and Johnsburg to permit more train capacity and expanded service.

The project includes three new stations to serve the communities of Prairie Grove, Ridgefield, and Johnsburg. To serve facilities in Johnsburg, the McHenry branch of the Northwest Line will be extended 1.6 miles.

The project will also upgrade the signal system to increase service, reduce travel times, and allow additional operational flexibility.

Station and parking improvements are planned to accommodate increased ridership, and additional rolling stock will be procured to add capacity and increase service on the line.