Project moves into next major phase, with first passenger terminal opening in 2017
The Chicago Transit Board today approved the award of a construction contract for the new, modern and larger 95th Street Terminal, one of the largest rail station projects in CTA history and an investment by Mayor Rahm Emanuel that will modernize transit and promote economic opportunity on Chicago’s South Side.
The board approved the award of a $180 million contract to Paschen Milhouse Joint Venture IV (“Paschen Milhouse”), which will engineer, design and build new north and south passenger terminals at 95th/Dan Ryan, following a comprehensive Request for Proposals process. The modern terminal project will replace an outdated, cramped bus and rail facility at 95th with a modern, spacious facility that will better serve the 20,000-plus bus and rail passengers who travel through 95th Street Terminal each day.
The passenger terminal work, which will begin next spring, follows extensive foundation and related construction that began in 2014. Over the past 16 months, CTA has overseen $26 million in advance construction work needed to prepare for construction of the north and south terminals, including:
- Foundations for the South Terminal
- Expressway sign and light relocation
- Fiber optic relocation
- Utility prep work
The project will expand and greatly improve the terminal, which is one of CTA’s busiest, with 24-hour Red Line service and over 1,000 CTA and Pace bus trips on a typical weekday. This work will help improve the movement of train traffic in and out of the 98th yard and through the 95th Terminal with services the Red Line, which is the CTA’s busiest rail line.
In addition, the project scope will now include improvements to the tracks south of 95th Terminal to the 98th Street Yard, which stores Red Line trains and maintenance facilities. The work includes replacement of track and all elements in the Right of Way, including a complex interlocking, signal and traction power cabling and duct banks, ballast and other related materials. CTA is taking advantage of the ongoing terminal construction to make improvements while other work is ongoing. Doing this track work simultaneous with the station work will limit the need for any service disruptions after the new station is built.
The new station design features contemporary architecture including new canopies and light-filled, glass-enclosed structures with expanded space and more shelter for customers. The station will have buildings both north and south of 95th Street, connected by an enclosed walkway over 95th Street, increasing safety for the thousands of adults and children who move through the station each day, and will include expanded retail concession space.
The new station will create a better, safer and more accessible pedestrian environment, with wider sidewalks and larger waiting areas for increased passenger comfort. Wider bus lanes and increased spacing between bus bays will reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
Paschen Milhouse’s winning bid also includes a 27-percent Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) commitment. Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc., an African-American-owned DBE firm, will contribute civil/bridge engineering, electrical engineering and construction expertise. CTA will also work closely to coordinate outreach events with the contractor to help identify certified DBE vendors who may be eligible to work on the project.
Customers will begin to enjoy the new station beginning in 2017. The South Terminal will open in 2017 and the North Terminal will open in 2018. Funding for the $280 million project is provided through a variety of federal, state and local sources.
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