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Metra today announced plans to construct a commuter parking lot at the Grayland Station on the Milwaukee North Line.

The project will add a 68-space parking lot on the east side of Kilbourn Avenue, between Milwaukee and Patterson avenues in Chicago. The Grayland Station, where more than 300 commuters board every weekday, currently has eight parking spaces.

“We understand that our commitment to providing excellent service is not confined to our trains,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Don Orseno. “This parking lot will improve the experience for our customers who board at Grayland by giving them a place to park other than city streets.”

The Metra Board of Directors awarded the contract to Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc., of Lake Zurich. Work on the $1.2 million project is expected to begin this summer and be complete by the end of the year. Metra will fund the work primarily with a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant.

"I'm thrilled that Metra is moving forward with this needed improvement, creating a greater opportunity for residents to take transit in our community,” said Alderman John Arena (45th). “This is a great complement to the new Divvy station at Grayland, as well as the multiple bus routes within easy walking distance."

Construction will also include a retaining wall, sidewalks, ADA curb ramps, stairs, landscaping, lighting, signage, pavement markings and bike racks.