Electronic Signs at Metra Stations Along the West Line Go Active Today

A new was activated today at eight stations along the Union Pacific West Line. The new system, called the Another Train Warning System (ATWS), is part of a $132 million project designed to improve the flow of commuter and freight traffic on the heavily used line by allowing trains to safely operate through a station when a commuter train is stopped there.

The system is being activated at the Maywood, Melrose Park, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Glen Ellyn, College Avenue (Wheaton), Winfield and Geneva stations

Metra and Union Pacific studied pedestrian safety initiatives across the country and devised the plan for the West Line based on best practices.

Another Train Warning System uses audible and visual alerts to warn pedestrians at crossings near the stations that another train—in addition to the one that is stopped at the station—is approaching or present.  Other grade crossing protections include new paths that safely guide pedestrians to a gated crossing, more pedestrian gates and more inter-track fencing to discourage pedestrians from crossing at unsafe and unauthorized locations.

Work at the stations began in March 2009 and was completed last December, but more work is being done to keep the trains moving.

Improved Train Flow

Completion in 2013 of a third main line in two areas on the route will provide extra rail capacity. Installing two universal crossovers will close a 15-mile gap between crossovers on the line in 2011, increasing the use of multiple tracks to bypass rail congestion. An upgraded rail signal system during 2011 will allow trains to safely operate closer together and improve train flow.

Other trains will be able to operate while commuter trains are in stations, resulting in significant reductions in passenger and freight train delays, improved Metra on-time performance and reduced crossing gate downtime.