CTA narrows list of bidders for Red-Purple Line modernization project

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Red-Purple Line bypass
Diagram of the proposed Red-Purple Line bypass (Chicago Transit Authority)

As the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) moves forward with its Red and Purple Modernization Program (RPM), the agency has selected three potential contractors for the first phase of the $2.1 billion project.

The short list, which was announced Dec. 8, includes the following firms: Wash-Fluor Design-Build Team, Kiewit Infrastructure Company, and Chicago Rail Constructors. These contractors were among the respondents of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for RPM Phase One issued by the agency in June 2017.

The firms will subsequently receive a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting them to submit plans on how they would design and construct the transit improvement project. The CTA will then select a winning bid based on pricing, experience and several other factors. A decision is going to be made within 2018 in anticipation of ground breaking scheduled for 2019.

RPM phase one involves rebuilding four of the oldest Red Line stations in Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr. The selected contractor will construct these structures in compliance with standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This initial phase of the project also includes construction of the Red-Purple Line Bypass, which has an estimated cost of $570 million. Also known as the Belmont Flyover, the structure will unclog the century-old junction along Clark St. where Red, Purple and Brown Line trains intersect.

The Red-Purple Line Bypass will allow the CTA to increase capacity by 15 more trains per hour. At this rate, the agency would be able to address the increased ridership demand during rush hour.

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