Walsh-Fluor joint venture team breaks ground on Stantec-designed Red and Purple Line Modernization Program in Chicago

Walsh Construction and Fluor Corporation have broken ground on Phase One of the Red and Purple Line Modernization Program, the largest capital improvement project in Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) history. Stantec is the lead designer on the $2.1 billion project and is supported by more than a dozen subconsultants.

The first phase of the project will begin with the construction of a flyover bypass bridge to ease congestion on the 100-year-old rail line in Chicago's densely populated Lakeview neighborhood, on the city's north side. Additional Phase One work will also include the reconstruction of nearly two miles of track and the replacement of four CTA stations: Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr. The project design allows for CTA trains to remain operational throughout the duration of the project.

"Thousands of people ride the historic Red and Purple Lines every day in Chicago,” says Stuart Lerner, Executive Vice President for Infrastructure at Stantec. “The transit improvements we are designing will help more people in the community get where they need to go safely and reliably.”

The bypass bridge and rail modernization are anticipated to increase train speeds and train capacity during rush periods. The new, commuter-friendly stations will include wider platforms, increased canopy cover, new elevators and escalators, improved lighting and security features, and real-time travel information.

The Design-Build Team closely examined methods to mitigate disruption related to construction. The plans include design components and construction methods to reduce the impact on neighborhood residents, businesses, environment, and traffic.

The Red and Purple Modernization Program is one of several large-scale transit projects currently underway at Stantec, including the $1.9 billion Long Island Rail Road expansion, Montreal’s Réseau express métropolitain (light rail network), and the LA Metro Purple Line Extension Project.

Phase One of the Red-Purple Line Modernization Program is scheduled for completion by 2025.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success. We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.

Media contact

Colin Nekolaichuk
Stantec Media Relations
Ph: (416) 427-9111
Colin.Nekolaichuk@stantec.com         

Laura Krinke                                                             
Stantec Media Relations                                           
Ph: (612) 712-2072                                        
laura.krinke@stantec.com