2/13/06
Chicago Transit Authority will continue its Purple Line viaduct replacement project this year with replacement of the Church Street viaduct in Evanston. The 98-year-old structure will be the second of six bridges along the line slated for replacement in order to eliminate slow zones and improve travel time for Purple Line customers. CTA replaced the Main Street viaduct in 2005.
Located one block north of the Purple Line Davis station, the existing viaduct at Church Street has deteriorated over time with exposure to the elements. Due to its condition Purple Line trains must reduce speed when crossing it. CTA will replace the concrete viaduct with a new steel structure. In addition to replacing the viaduct, the project includes the installation of new abutments, retaining walls, foundations, and new waterproofing and drainage systems. The project also calls for rail tie replacement, new landscaping and lighting enhancements under the bridge.
Advertisements for bids from construction contractors were issued recently. Once a construction contractor has been selected, a construction schedule will be developed.
The Purple Line extends from the Linden station in Wilmette to the Howard terminal in Chicago where customers can make connections with Red Line and Yellow Line trains.
Purple Line Express trains operate Monday through Friday during morning and afternoon rush periods offering non-stop service from Howard to Belmont, then making all stops to the Loop. The Purple Line is the sixth busiest rail line in the CTA system, totaling 3,033,576 rides in 2005.
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