Construction to begin later this year on modern, expanded stations to serve Red Line customers, surrounding communities
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is taking the next steps in modernizing the Red Line.
The CTA Board Wednesday approved the award of two construction contracts for the Wilson and 95th/Dan Ryan stations—projects that will replace and expand existing stations and provide customers with a convenient, 21st century transit experience.
“The Red Line is the backbone of the CTA rail system, carrying nearly 40 percent of all rail rides,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool. “These investments will benefit not only the thousands of customers who use them each day, but also the surrounding communities.”
The Board approved the award of both the $153.6 million construction contract for the Wilson station reconstruction project, and a $23.1 million contract for the initial foundation and retaining wall work for the 95th/Dan Ryan station to Walsh/2-in-1 Joint Venture, which was selected for both projects following separate bidding processes.
Proposed rendering of an accessible auxiliary entrance to the Wilson Red Line station on Sunnyside Avenue.
The $203 million Wilson project will replace the badly deteriorated station house, built in 1923, with a new, modern and accessible station that will also serve as a new transfer point between Red and Purple Line service. Project work also includes the reconstruction of 2,200 feet of century-old elevated tracks, signals and supporting infrastructure that will be relocated from the street and sidewalks along Broadway and Wilson to the west to create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment. This comprehensive station work will be performed within the footprint of the existing station, which is located in the Uptown Square Historic District, and with minimal impact to 24/7 rail service. Work is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Proposed rendering of the main station entrance interior to the Wilson Red Line station, which will be brighter, more spacious and have a number of new ammenities, including two new elevators, to make it ADA accessible.
The new $240 million 95th Street/Dan Ryan station project will replace and expand the existing structure, built in 1969. The station sees 20,000 customers on an average weekday, and serves as both the southern terminal of the Red Line and as a bus terminal for more than 1,000 weekday CTA and Pace bus trips.
Aerial nighttime rendering of the soon to be reconstructed and bigger 95th Street Terminal.
The construction will replace the existing, cramped station with two station buildings—one north and one south of 95th Street. The new arrangement will not only benefit rail customers, but allow for more efficient bus operations and provide a safer, more convenient pedestrian environment. Work is expected to begin in fall 2014.
Proposed rendering for the 95th Street Terminal, which will feature expanded platforms with sound panels to provide customers with a more comfortable, less noisy space.
Both projects are part of Mayor Emanuel’s Building a New Chicago program, with support from Gov. Pat Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now program, which is updating infrastructure that is critical to the city and includes improvements that will help CTA continue to serve customers as effectively as possible. Funding for both projects come from federal, state and local sources.
More information about the projects is available at www.transitchicago.com/wilson and http://www.transitchicago.com/95thTerminal.
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