CTA | Douglas Branch Rehabilitation

Renew the Blue!
Blue Line Cermak (Douglas) Branch Rehabilitation

Project Details:

Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA)

Total FFGA funding for this project is $482,679,160 which consists of:

Federal Funds: $383,774,570
RTA Funds: $58,131,293
IDOT Funds: $40,773,297

FFGA Distribution (3K)

Glossary:

At Grade - Any operation or facility located on the ground or along the common plane.

Bents - Set of columns that support the elevated train structure; usually in pairs or sets.

Bi-directional interlocking- An automated signal system which controls train traffic in both normal and reverse.

Cab Signal - A signal in the operators' cab in the train with a speedometer, colored lights, and other indicator.

Caisson -A below-grade vertical support column made of concrete and steel rebar.

Column -An above-grade vertical support, usually steel latticed, that holds up the elevated train structure.

Column Base -A below-grade concrete footing that holds a column level and secure.

Crossover - A rail connection that allows a train to go from one track to an adjacent track.

Cutover - A process which moves train traffic to an alternate track to allow for work on the existing track.

Fiber Optic - A communications media transmitting light waves through glass fibers in lieu of electricity through solid copper wire.

Girder - Iron or steel beam or compound structure for bridge building.

Power -A source of energy; in the case of CTA facilities, it is electricity (600 volts DC for trains).

Running Rail -The steel rails on which the wheels of a train ride.

Stringer - Longitudinal steel section between two cross girders that supports the ties and rail.

Signals - A device conveying information affecting movement of a train; may include cab signals, wayside signals, or other devices.

Span of structure - Structural steel elements between 2 bents. See bents.

Substation - A facility to convert AC power to 600 volts DC to be fed to the third rail.

Third Rail - A rail placed beside the running trains energized with 600 volts DC that that powers the CTA's trains.

Third Rail Chairs -An insulated support that holds the third rail in place along side the tracks.

Ties - Wooden or plastic supports that hold the running rails or other equipment securely in place.

Traction Power - The DC power feed to the third rail that powers the CTA's trains.

Workers Ahead Warning System -A flashing light adjacent to the track which warns operators when personnel are on the right-of-way.

The reconstruction of the Cermak (Douglas) Branch of the Blue Line is the most ambitious project undertaken by the CTA in decades. Over four years, this project will invest approximately $482 million to replace the deteriorated 100-year-old elevated structure, thereby eliminating more than 35,000 feet of slow zones, over its 6.6 mile length, and return the line to a state of good repair. This massive reconstruction effort will be accomplished while maintaining current rail service during the construction period. Major features of the improvement project are:

Stations: Reconstruct six elevated stations and two grade-level stations to fully ADA compliant center platform designs (a platform between the two tracks, similar to downtown subway stations). Relocate and reconstruct 54/Cermak station east of 54th Avenue.
Structure: Provide new foundations and structure for 80 percent of the elevated line. Provide new foundations and maintenance repairs to the remainder of the structure.
Trackwork: Provide new trackwork, increase train storage capacity, and construct a new Transportation Center and train car washing facility.
Traction Power Substations: Construct two new traction power substations and upgrade equipment at remaining three substations.
Signals: Provide new cab signal system and Workers Ahead warning system for the entire line.
Communication: Provide new fiber-optic backbone communication system, connecting all of the stations with the CTA Control Center.

Project Elements:

Elevated stations and right-of-way:
- Rehabilitate six elevated stations
- New terminal and bus area at Pulaski
- ADA accessibility at all stations
- Art program: decorative glass in front facade of six elevated stations
- six new elevators, one at each new elevated station
- Addition of new escalators, one at each new elevated station, two at Polk
- Renew approximately 175 column foundations
- Install 716 new caissons and 714 caisson caps
- Install 702 new concrete columns
- Replace approximately 350 spans of structure
- Apply protective coating on one mile of steel structure
- Upgrade/replace five miles of footwalks
- Replace five miles of rail and ties
- Construction began in the Fall of 2001
At-grade (street level) stations, right-of-way and 54^th Yard:
- Reconfigure at-grade stations at 54/Cermak and Kostner
- Upgrade/renew special trackwork
- Provide ADA accessibility
- Renew and reconfigure rail car storage
- Renew retaining wall at Keeler Ave.
- Reconstruct 54^th Yard
- Construct new transportation office
- Increase capacity and improve line of sight for safety
Structures:
- Construct five miles of track and structure on deep foundations for stability and a smoother ride
- Reconstruct major bridges at Western Avenue, Ogden Avenue, Keeler Avenue
- Replace trackwork and road crossings
- Install new fiberglass footwalks
- Track reconstruction between Keeler Avenue and 54^th Yard
- Reconstruct Belt Railway Bridge
Signals:
- 6.6 miles of signal equipment
- Six new interlockings
- Bi-directional cab signal system
- New automatic highway grade crossing equipment at ten intersections
- New fiber optic communication
- Upgraded communications
Communications:
- New cab signal system
- Seven new bi-directional interlockings
- Fiber optic communications system with changeable message boards
- New Workers Ahead system
Substations:
- Two new substations
- Three rehabilitated substations
- Improve power controls