04/05/06
Project Is Second of Six Bridges Slated for Replacement in Evanston
The Chicago Transit Board today approved a $3.3 million contract for the replacement of the Church Street viaduct in Evanston. The 98-year-old structure is the second of six Purple Line bridges the Chicago Transit Authority is replacing as funding becomes available. Replacing the bridges eliminates slow zones and improves travel time for Purple Line customers. CTA replaced Evanston's Main Street viaduct in 2005.
CTA and the City of Evanston worked together to identify the Church Street viaduct as the next in line for replacement. Located one block north of the Purple Line Davis station, the existing viaduct has deteriorated over time with exposure to the elements. Due to its condition Purple Line trains must reduce speed when crossing.
?Replacing the viaduct will make service more efficient on the Purple Line," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. ?Continued investment in CTA's infrastructure enhances service for customers who currently use the system and helps attract additional customers."
The project involves replacing the concrete viaduct with a new steel structure, as well as 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.
In addition to the bridge replacement at Main Street in 2005, and the upcoming replacement of the Church Street viaduct, CTA has identified four other Evanston viaducts in need of replacement and will proceed with the work as funding becomes available.
?This new viaduct is one of several CTA capital improvement projects currently underway in our continuing effort to provide the best service possible to the region," said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Carole Brown. ?As customer demand continues to grow, investments such as this help CTA to meet the demand today and in the future."
CTA used Illinois FIRST funds for the replacement of the Main Street viaduct, however, with the elimination of the Illinois FIRST funding source, CTA turned to its Federal Transit Administration Rail Modernization funds to pay for the Church Street viaduct. Illinois Constructors Corporation of Elburn, Illinois was selected as the contractor for the $3.3 million contract through a competitive bidding process.
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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