53 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

Business Wire, 12/12/18:

Fluor Set to Modernize Red & Purple Rail Lines in Chicago

Fluor to design and build Chicago Transit Authority’s largest capital project in history

 

 

IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) announced today that the joint venture team of Walsh Construction Company and Fluor has been selected as the preferred partner to design and build Phase One of the Red and Purple Line Modernization Program for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The $2.1 billion project will be the largest capital project in CTA’s history, ultimately resulting in expanded capacity and improved infrastructure along the region’s most used rail lines. Fluor plans to book its share of the undisclosed design and construction contract value in the first quarter of 2019.

 

“Fluor is pleased to have been selected by the CTA to deliver this massive project on the nearly century-old Red and Purple Lines,” said Terence Easton, president of Fluor’s infrastructure business. “When complete, this project will help build prosperity and empower progress for the region as well as improve transit for the citizens of Chicago. This selection further solidifies Fluor’s industry-leading expertise in North America as a frontrunner in transit projects and the delivery of infrastructure megaprojects.”

 

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[KevinKorell]

Chicago Transit Authority press release, 3/7/19

 

 

 

CTA to Modernize Red Line Tracks at Addison Station

March 7, 2019

 

Improvements will upgrade tracks to provide smoother ride and eliminate slow zones ahead of start of Red and Purple Modernization Phase One Project Work begins March 8; Construction work will have impacts on service, local community

 

The Chicago Transit Authority today announced that it is investing nearly $4 million in railroad track improvements on the Red Line at Addison station, as part of Mayor Emanuel’s ongoing modernization of CTA rail service and the Red Line, the city’s busiest rail line. The project will provide a smoother ride and eliminate a slow zone and track conditions that could lead to future slow zones, improving service for CTA riders.

 

The track upgrades will ensure reliable service on the Red Line and Purple Line during future major construction work under the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project, which will begin later this year and is CTA’s largest project in history. The work, which is scheduled to begin March 8 and be completed by April 1, includes replacing worn track components that are important to providing reliable train service.

 

During the work, CTA will continue to provide Red and Purple Line service. CTA will work to minimize impacts to our customers; however, CTA recommends that customers plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

 

“The Red Line is a critical transportation route for our customers, providing 75 million rides a year, which is why we continue to invest in it and modernize for the future,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “The investments we are making will offer long-term benefits as well as improve the experience for commuters. We thank our customers in advance for their patience during this work.”

 

Work details

• Track renewal work will be performed on the two westernmost tracks that carry southbound Red and Purple Line Express service. 
• Replaces track components that are important to providing reliable train service, including concrete plinths, plates and fasteners, contact rail chairs and mounting blocks.
• Eliminates a 25 mph slow zone on the southbound Red Line track and reduces the chance of future slow zones developing in the area -- reducing the risk of greater delays at a later date, particularly during RPM construction work.
• The work is planned to be completed ahead of the Cubs’ opening day April 8.

Community impacts

• The work will have community impacts that include noise, truck traffic, occasional sidewalk and parking restrictions and intermittent street and alley closures.

Service impacts and alternatives

• Red and Purple Line service will continue throughout the work period with occasional delays to service because Red and Purple Line northbound and southbound trains will have to share tracks.
• The Addison station will close the weekends of March 8-10 (late Friday night through late Sunday night) and March 29--April 1 (same) because there will be no trains stopping at Addison. The station will be served by shuttle buses that can transport passengers to the next station.
• For three weeks (March 10 thru March 30), the Addison station will offer southbound Red Line service only and will not provide northbound service at Addison during that period. People riding northbound trains to Addison, or who board northbound trains at Addison, will need to:
  • Use the Sheridan or Belmont stations to board northbound trains.
  • Board a southbound train at Addison, alight at Belmont and cross over to the other platform to board a northbound Red Line train.
  • Note: As Sheridan station is not accessible, customers who require an accessible station will have to use Belmont or Wilson stations to enter, exit or transfer

Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project

The CTA is moving forward with the RPM project. Currently the agency is relocating utility lines and equipment ahead of major project construction that will begin in late 2019 and be completed in 2025.

 

Phase One includes reconstructing the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations into larger, 100 percent accessible stations and track structure totaling six miles that is nearly a century old; building a rail bypass north of Belmont station that will improve service reliability on the Red, Purple and Brown lines, increasing train speeds, easing overcrowding on rail cars, and providing additional train service capacity for projected future growth; and installing a new signal system on 23 track miles between Howard and Belmont that, similar to roadway traffic signals, will improve CTA train flow and increase service reliability.

 

Red Line investments since 2011

The Addison track work is preceded by a number of Red Line investments completed or under way under Mayor Emanuel, including:

• New 95th Street Terminal
• Red Line Extension (planning under way)
• Red and Purple Modernization Phase One project
• New Wilson Red/Purple Line station
• Clark/Division Red Station – new accessible entrance on LaSalle
• Red Line South Reconstruction
• Red Line North Interim Improvement Project

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[CNJRoss]

Progressive Railroading,4/29/19:

 

CTA caps off preparatory trackwork for major RPM project

 

 

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Dorval Carter Jr. late last week announced the completion of track improvements on the Red Line at Addison Station.

 

The nearly $4 million project was preparatory work for the $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization Program's (RPM) first phase. Work crews replaced worn track components on the Red Line, the CTA’s busiest rail line. Completed on time and on budget, the project also eliminated a slow zone and improved poor track conditions that could lead to future slow zones, CTA officials said in a press release.

 

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[CNJRoss]

Progressive Railroading,8/1/19
 

CTA to begin Red-Purple rail bypass construction

 

CTA's Red-Purple rail bypass will allow trains to operate faster on the Red, Purple and Brown lines. Photo – CTA

 

 

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) yesterday announced it will begin construction in fall of track foundations for the Red-Purple rail bypass, which will replace a century-old bypass north of Belmont Station.

 

The bypass will allow trains to operate faster on the Red, Purple and Brown lines. CTA also will be able to increase the number of trains operating during peak periods and ease overcrowding on rail cars, CTA officials said in a press release.

 

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[CNJRoss]

CTA news release:

CTA ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION OF RED AND PURPLE MODERNIZATION (RPM) PROJECT BEGINS THIS FALL

 

July 31, 2019

 

  CTA Will Start Construction of New Red-Purple Bypass North of Belmont Station to Improve CTA Rail Service; New Rail Structure Will Improve Pedestrian Environment

  CTA will Host Informational Open Houses on July 31 & August 1 to Provide Community Members With Construction Details and Impacts and Mitigation Plans

 

 

CHICAGO (July 31, 2019) – The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced today that construction for the Red-Purple Bypass is set to begin this fall. The bypass is a major component of Phase One of CTA’s Red Purple Modernization (RPM) program, which will also rebuild the century-old rail structure between the Lawrence and Bryn Mawr stations. Work performed as part of RPM Phase One will make commuting better for all CTA riders with improved service and modern, fully accessible stations.

 

This fall, CTA will begin constructing new track foundations in the Lakeview community for a new rail bypass bridge that will allow Kimball-bound (northbound) Brown Line trains to cross over north- and southbound Red and Purple Line tracks just north of Belmont station. The bypass will improve service reliability on the Red, Purple and Brown lines, increasing train speeds, easing overcrowding on rail cars, and providing CTA the ability to increase the number of trains it can run during the busiest travel periods. The bypass replaces a rail junction that was built in 1907 and that carries about 150,000 rides each weekday.

 

CTA is finalizing construction start dates with the project’s contractor, Walsh-Fluor Design Build Team, and will continue to provide advance notification of construction impacts to riders and those in the surrounding community.

 

“The Red and Purple Modernization Project is an important investment in the future of Chicago transit that will benefit CTA customers across our rail system, as well as surrounding communities and their long-term livelihood,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “Supporting the community during the construction process is as important as the end result, which is why we will continue to work closely with local residents, businesses and elected officials to inform and listen.”

 

To gain community insights, as well as to increase overall awareness of the project, CTA has been conducting sidewalk “pop-ups” in the neighborhood, and is hosting two Construction Kickoff open houses this week. These open houses will offer community members the opportunity to provide input on the new renderings, such as ideas for various infrastructure elements, including pavers, fencing and landscaping.

 

Details for the open houses are as follows:

Wednesday, July 31                                  Thursday, August 1
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.                                        4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Center on Halsted, Second Floor                Center on Halsted, Second Floor
3656 N. Halsted, Chicago                           3656 N. Halsted, Chicago

 

The open house format allows for attendees to come and go at their convenience and have one-on-one conversations with CTA and project contractor staff about the project construction, impacts and mitigation plans. Staff will also be on-site to address other community concerns including parking disruptions, in which CTA is providing free alternative parking in lighted, fenced CTA-owned lots; alley, street and sidewalk closures, in which CTA will be announcing specific details on locations and notice plans; and construction equipment, in which CTA will be sharing what the community can expect to see and hear.

 

Red-Purple Bypass benefits

• Smoother, more reliable service by easing chronic overcrowding on trains and rail platforms, as well as delays that are caused and felt throughout the CTA system due to the inability to add train service during the busiest ridership periods.
• Replacement of century-old structures with new, modern “closed-deck” track structure that helps reduce street-level noise.
• Creates a brighter, cleaner, safer and more pleasant pedestrian environment that will complement the comprehensive Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan that CTA prepared with the local community for parcels of land available for development when construction is completed.
• Continued operation of Red Line service while making these important improvements to the CTA rail system.

 

Since RPM Phase One was announced in 2014, public meetings have been held to gather community input regarding the project. As a result, CTA has implemented community-based solutions in preparation of construction, including the installation of flower boxes, butterfly sculptures and landscaping on Wilton Avenue and School Street along the fence bordering the CTA-owned lot. CTA has also helped promote construction-affected businesses during utility work with Open for Business banners, social media posts and encouraging project workers to eat and shop locally.

 

Red-Purple Bypass Renderings; Public Input on Future Streetscape
The Red-Purple Bypass design meets CTA heavy rail structural needs and takes into account community concerns about what the structure will look like. CTA is sharing with the public what the structure will look like, including from the pedestrian level, which will be much improved with lighting, paved surfaces and streetscaping, which builds upon a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plan developed by CTA for the Red-Purple Bypass project area. The proposed TOD plan is based on public feedback on how construction parcels could be redeveloped after the completion of RPM construction in 2025.

 

As part of the Red-Purple Bypass construction effort, CTA will seek the public’s opinion on various infrastructure elements such as pavers, fencing, landscaping and street furniture.

 

Current View                                               

 

Future: Red-Purple Bypass

Clark Street, facing north toward Roscoe
(Note: Rendering includes proposed Transit Oriented Development on developable parcel west of Clark Street)

 

Current View

 

Future: Red-Purple Bypass

School Street at Wilton, facing west

 

 

Current View

 

Future: Red-Purple Bypass

Newport Street, facing east

 

Background on RPM Phase One

The $2.1 billion RPM Phase One project is the first part of CTA’s plan to rebuild the Red and Purple lines from just north of Belmont to Linden, and is the largest capital investment project in CTA history. RPM Phase One Project includes three major components:

• New Red-Purple Bypass construction (expected completion by the end of 2021), followed by the reconstruction of Red and Purple line track structure between Belmont and Newport/Cornelia (expected completion by the end of 2024).
• Reconstruction of the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations into larger, 100 percent vertically accessible stations and replacement of track structure totaling six track-miles that is nearly a century old. Major track and station reconstruction will begin in late 2020/early 2021 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
• Installation of a new signal system on 23 track miles between Howard and Belmont that, similar to roadway traffic signals, will improve train flow and service reliability.

For more information on the RPM project, visit transitchicago.com/rpm.

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[CNJRoss]

CTA news release

Mayor Lightfoot, CTA and CPS Announce New Scholarship Program to Help Students Pursue Education and Careers in Construction

 

February 10, 2020

 

In partnership with Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) contractor Walsh-Fluor and nonprofit Chicago Scholars, CTA unveils college scholarship program for low-income Chicago youth

 

 

CHICAGO – Mayor Lightfoot, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today announced the new “CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund”, an innovative program that will provide a new path for economically disadvantaged youth who want to go to college and pursue construction and engineering-related careers. Created in partnership with the Walsh-Fluor Design-Build team (WFDBT), the contractor for CTA’s historic $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project, the new scholarship program will provide $250,000 to aid CPS students who plan to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) four-year degrees at a university or college.

 

“As a City, we must always strive to identify new, equitable ways to support and provide resources to all of our students, ensuring they can pursue their passions, live up to their God-given potential,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This scholarship program will provide high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with invaluable financial assistance and prepare them for 21st-century careers that will shape our city's future."

 

 

The new “CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund” will provide college scholarships and mentoring supports, along with access to career development opportunities, to guide students in launching careers in the construction and engineering industries. The scholarship program will be administered by Chicago Scholars, a mentoring and leadership development organization that helps first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities navigate transitions into college, through college, and on to careers.

 

“We are pleased to create a pathway for Chicago high school students to college and careers in the construction and engineering field,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We thank Walsh-Fluor and Chicago Scholars for making this scholarship program possible, and for partnering with us to removing barriers to education and careers for some of our youth and making this investment in the future engineering and construction management field in Chicago.”

 

Donated by Walsh-Fluor to help offset tuition costs for CPS graduates, the $250,000 as part of the CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund will provide 10 scholarships financial aid from 2020 through 2023 for students who plan on majoring in construction management, civil engineering, industrial or systems engineering Students who are awarded scholarships will also be eligible to apply for paid summer internships with Walsh-Fluor and the CTA. 

 

“Too many of our students are talented, hardworking, and dedicated to their education, but lack the financial ability to pursue their career ambitions in college and beyond,” said CPS CEO, Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “The ‘CTA Elevating Future Scholarship Fund,' will help ensure that students who want to pursue their career dreams don’t encounter a financial barrier when entering college. I want to thank the CTA and Walsh-Flour for recognizing the power of providing a helping hand to some of our city’s hardest working young adults and giving them the opportunity they need to succeed.”

 

Eligible students must be enrolled in a CPS or CPS-supported high school and currently part of the Chicago Scholars program. Chicago Scholars is a college-access, success, and leadership and career development program that recruits from all 77 community areas of the city and has student representation from 75 CPS and CPS-supported high schools. Eligible students must be enrolled in STEM coursework, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and a good attendance record.

 

“Chicago Scholars is proud to partner with the CTA and Walsh-Fluor and create important opportunities for CPS students through the ‘CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund’,” said Dominique Jordan Turner, Chicago Scholars CEO. “This fund will elevate opportunities for our financially under-resourced and first-generation Scholars beyond college access as they continue on the path to becoming young professionals and leaders within Chicago’s STEM industry.”

 

Awardees will also have other career development opportunities with the CTA’s RPM project and Walsh-Fluor that will enhance their education and understanding of the transit construction industry, such as educational site visits. The “CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund” goes beyond providing education financing and provides a strong level of support for student scholars, including check-ins and mentoring for students in high school and throughout college.

 

Students can begin applying for scholarships now and applications will be due March 1, 2020. Scholarship recipients will be announced on April 15, 2020.

 

For more information about this program and eligible schools, visit ­CTA’s web site at transitchicago.com/rpm/workforce-opportunities or Chicago Scholars’ web site at chicagoscholars.org/elevatingfutures.

***

 

 

[CNJRoss]

WTTW Chicago, IL 1/11/21
 

 

CTA Bypass, Coming Soon, A Major Milestone for Red-Purple Line Overhaul

 

 

If you ride the rails or pass by the Belmont station on the North Side, you may be watching the progress of the CTA’s overhaul of the Red and Purple lines. This month, crews are putting into a place a major piece of that redevelopment effort – and passengers will start to see the benefits of the project later this year.

 

The $2.1 billion phase one of the Red Purple Modernization project kicked off in 2018. It’s an effort to overhaul miles of tracks and stations of the century-old L.

 

SNIP

 

“We will basically be building the section of the bypass that goes over Red and Purple line tracks,” Chase said. “When that work is done later in January, people will actually be able to ride underneath the bypass for the first time if they’re on a Red or Purple line train.”

 

As for timing? The CTA estimates the bypass will be ready this summer. This spring, temporary Red Line stations at Argyle and Bryn Mawr are set to open. 

 

SNIP 

 

While Chase acknowledges the overhaul will sometimes cause delays, closures, or impacts around stations and tracks, she says it’s a critical project for Chicago’s future.

 

“The Red Line is the backbone of the city, right? It’s been here 100 years, and we need it to continue for another 100 years,” she said.”

More here w/video report.

[CNJRoss]

Railway Age, 1/29/21

 

$2.1B CTA Red, Purple Phase One Project Under Way

 

The new Lawrence, Argyle (pictured), Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations will be larger and include elevators and escalators, and wider platforms for 100% accessibility.

 

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has unveiled plans to rebuild four stations as part of its $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project.

 

The new Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr rapid transit stations will be larger and include elevators and escalators, wider platforms, and amenities for 100% accessibility. This work, plus the replacement of century-old track structure (totaling six track-miles), is the first of three major Phase One Project components.  . . .

 

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[CNJRoss]

RT&S 5/13/21
 

Stage A of CTA’s modernization project is ready to begin

 

 

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is getting ready to enter the construction phase of the Lawrence-Bryn Mawr Modernization Project, which is part of the Red and Purple Line Modernization Program.

 

Stage A construction will begin on May 16 and will last into 2022. Track and bridge work will be the main feature of Stage A, with station work being the focal point of Stage B construction. All of the work will be done while trains will still be running on the Red Line route. The east side will be handled first, followed by the west side.

 

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[KevinKorell]

Chicago, IL Sun-Times, 11/18/21:

 

     CTA Brown line to begin using Red-Purple Bypass north of Belmont  

 

 

The CTA’s new Red-Purple Bypass goes into effect Friday, and it will limit delays and make service more reliable, the transportation authority says.

 

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