The joint venture design build team of Fluor Corporation and Walsh Construction Company has completed construction of a rail bypass structure, which is a major milestone of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red and Purple Modernization Phase One Project.

This structure will remove a century-old bottleneck on the CTA’s Red, Purple and Brown lines.

The first train to travel the bypass indicates a major step in the revitalisation of CTA’s rail system.

The bypass has an intersection that has slowed down traffic for passengers over the years.

The Red-Purple Line Bypass is situated in a residential and heavily traveled commercial neighbourhood that is just a few blocks from Wrigley Field.

Given the tight space and restricted options for support columns, the concrete bypass is supported by a 120-tonne beam straddling the track structure below.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The design-build team constructed a bridge with fewer support columns without actually compromising the strength of the structure.

In total, this cut down the construction schedule and impact to the area, stated Fluor.

Fluor’s Infrastructure business president Thomas Nilsson said: “Designing and building complex infrastructure projects in populous areas with limited impact to businesses, residents and commuters is a trademark of Fluor’s infrastructure business.

“When complete, this project will improve the quality, safety and reliability with an upgraded transit experience for CTA riders.”

Besides allowing more trains and passengers per hour, the new bypass enables increased train speeds.

It replaces steel structure with concrete, closed-deck track and sound walls, which cut down track noise for the community in the area.

This $1.3bn project is the largest capital project for CTA and is slated to finish in 2025.

—————————————————————————————————————-

The bypass has an intersection that has slowed down traffic for passengers over the years. Credit: Engin Akyurt from Pixabay