STURTEVANT - Architects are still working on a design fix for the elevators at the new Amtrak train depot in Sturtevant.

"They're working to design some kind of fix so the elevators don't freeze up in winter from snow and rain," Village Administrator Mark Janiuk said. "They're working to design some fixes that will enclose the elevators to protect it."

Late last year the Village filed a lawsuit against STS Consultants Ltd. of Vernon Hills, Ill., and Partners in Design Architects of Kenosha for improperly designing the elevators. The lawsuit, which is for negligence and breach of contract, is still going forward, Janiuk said.

The train on one side of the platform goes to Milwaukee and the train on the other side goes to Chicago. The suit alleges that the design - leaving elevators open to the elements - causes the problem.

The Village hired Architectural Associates of Racine to design a fix. Janiuk said he is waiting for a status report from the firm.

"They're still doing prelim drawings and design and budget projections," Janiuk said. "They estimate the project will cost in excess of $200,000. That includes design, engineering and construction. I have no idea when work will start but we want to get it done before winter."

Janiuk said the elevators freeze up in heavy snow and heavy rain during winter months.

Nobody's gotten stuck because the elevators are programmed to go to the ground and open if there's trouble, but it prevents physically disabled people or others who can't use the stairs from getting to the other side of the platform.

The depot opened in August 2006. In 2007 the village spent about $14,000 for repair calls to Schindler Elevators for the problem.