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Chicago Transit Authority - Red and Purple Line Modernization Program

Enhancing a stretch of century-old urban mass transit railway

  • $2.1B

    Project Value

  • 11

    Miles of New Track

  • 4

    New Transit Stations

  • Chicago, Illinois

    Chicago, Illinois

Building capacity and relieving service delays on the heaviest travelled line of CTA’s century old system in the City of Chicago

At $2.1 billion, the Red and Purple Line Modernization Program (RPM) is the largest capital improvement project in Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) history. Our job? Leading design on this historic project.

The goal is to replace, reconstruct, and modernize 11 miles (17.7 kilometres) of elevated track and support structures, including the replacement of four stations along Chicago’s busiest transit corridor to increase train speeds and add capacity to CTA’s system. A new rail bypass in the densely populated Lakeview neighborhood will relieve congestion at Clark Junction where Red, Purple, and Brown Line trains—carrying 150,000 riders daily—intersect.

A new 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometres) segmental structure will be constructed in the Edgewater and Uptown neighborhoods, which will decrease long-term maintenance and create a modern aesthetic structure for the community. Stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr will be rebuilt to include wider platforms, increased canopy cover, new elevators and escalators for ADA accessibility, improved lighting and security features, and real-time travel information.

Our team designed these enhancements while maintaining CTA transit operations during construction. Altogether, this capital project will deliver a more reliable and enjoyable transit experience for Chicago commuters.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Chicago Transit Authority
Partners
  • Walsh-Fluor Design Build Team
Architect
EXP
Article
Threading the Needle: Rebuilding 100-Year-Old Transit Infrastructure Above Chicago
Meet Our Team

Dena Abakumov, Senior Associate, Transit & Rail Sector Lead

I am passionate about creating transit systems that help connect people, places, and communities.
Dena Abakumov Senior Associate, Transit & Rail Sector Lead Read More

Thorbjorn (Toby) Hansson, Vice President, Transportation

The pace and distinctiveness of projects in New York is truly a challenge that I enjoy.
Thorbjorn (Toby) Hansson Vice President, Transportation Read More

Sarah Soprovich, Associate, Bridge Engineer

Our projects always aim to improve the public space and people’s lives while holding safety as the utmost important aspect.
Sarah Soprovich Associate, Bridge Engineer Read More

Caitlin DiDonato, Senior Associate

Continuous communication with clients is key, especially when working on projects that are moving at a quick pace.

Todd Meyer, Principal

I’m interested in creating dynamic and unique places that promote social interaction and elevate the cultural aspects of our communities.

Steven Costa, Design/Delivery Technology Leader

I focus on leveraging technology and innovation to help automate and optimize design practices for our teams to benefit our clients.
Steven Costa Design/Delivery Technology Leader Read More

Carla Artis, Director, Diversity & Compliance

We have to think deeply about the communities we enter—who lives there, who are the consultants working in and advocating for them?
Carla Artis Director, Diversity & Compliance Read More

Dena Abakumov

Senior Associate, Transit & Rail Sector Lead

Thorbjorn (Toby) Hansson

Vice President, Transportation

Sarah Soprovich

Associate, Bridge Engineer

Caitlin DiDonato

Senior Associate

Todd Meyer

Principal

Steven Costa

Design/Delivery Technology Leader

Carla Artis

Director, Diversity & Compliance

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