Chicago Transit Board awards contract for improvements on the Western Brown Line Station
The Chicago Transit Board awarded a contract to F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC for the first stage of modernization for the Western Brown Line station. The new progressive design-build contract will provide up to $19 million in repairs and improvements.
The board's action marks the first major upgrade of the facility in more than 40 years and is the latest initiative by CTA as part of its ongoing “Meeting the Moment” Action Plan—a multifaceted investment plan to strengthen the rider experience—more consistent and reliable service, safe rides, clean facilities, modern amenities, customer engagement tools and a strong CTA workforce.
“I’m proud of the investments we continue to make in modernizing stations across our system,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We know from years of experience just how CTA’s major investments can translate into an even larger investment in our communities and in the people we serve.”
Improvements planned as part of this project include the replacement of concrete aprons, elevators and other major building and operational components to help make the rail station and bus turnaround meet current ADA requirements. Other enhancements will include upgraded security cameras and public address system for improved station security, as well as enhanced station access with new curb ramps, sidewalks and improvements to the walkway to Lincoln Avenue.
Under this new, progressive design-build contract, work associated with the Western Brown Line Rehabilitation project will be split into two stages:
- Pre-construction services
- Final design and construction
Following a competitive procurement process, F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC was selected for the first stage of work, or pre-construction services. Per the terms of the agreement, the contractor will be allocated approximately $2 million to coordinate the pre-construction services (i.e., surveying, structural engineering and design, etc.). The remaining project funds will be used to cover costs associated with the second phase of the contract, which calls for final design and construction work, and will be put out to bid at a future date.
By splitting up the project work into two phases, CTA can minimize cost over runs and delays by ensuring all project participants, such as engineers, architects and contractors, collaborate early in the project planning phase before project plans are finalized.
The Western Brown Line station provided nearly 600,000 annual rides in 2022 and also offers connections to the following five bus routes:
- #11 Lincoln
- #49 Western
- #49B North Western
- #X49 Western Express
- #81 Lawrence
Although project details are not yet finalized, CTA estimates design work beginning as early as summer 2023, and construction beginning in 2024.
