On 13 September, Chicago Transit Board approved the award of a design/build contract for the rehabilitation and upgrade of two major Blue Line transit terminals, the Jefferson Park and Belmont stations. Walsh Construction Company II, LLC was awarded the USD 30.8 million contract following a competitive procurement process. Improvements for both locations includes new signage, interior and exterior painting, new LED lighting, electrical work, and replacement of the bus terminal concrete and rail station platform surfaces.
Belmont Blue Line terminal project has a value of USD 17 million and includes the infusion of a new and unique architectural canopy for the terminal designed by the Chicago architecture firm Carol Ross Barney. The project will also include improvements to the bus arrival/departure areas such as new LED lighting, repaved surfaces and new signage to speed bus boarding and provide a safer, more comfortable environment for pedestrians.
The USD 25 million rehabilitation of Jefferson Park will be the largest renovation project since the terminal was reconstructed in 2001 to make it wheelchair accessible. Customers can look forward to newly redesigned canopies for the bus terminal and rail station entryway, and improved reconfiguration of the bus bays to accommodate those with disabilities.
Project work for both stations is expected to begin early next year, with work completing at Belmont in late 2018, followed by the completion of work at Jefferson Park in 2019.
Also, CTA awarded Walsh Construction Company II, LLC a USD 25.9 million construction contract for the Garfield Gateway project, which will include rehabilitation of both the historical and active stationhouses of one of the agency’s most iconic ‘L’ stations. By revitalizing the Garfield Station, CTA is not only benefitting commuters, but complementing a larger community revitalization effort by neighborhood groups, local property owners and the University of Chicago.
The USD 50 million Garfield Gateway project includes a number of upgrades to the active stationhouse, which opened on the north side of Garfield in 2001, as well as to the immediate surrounding ground-level area. Together with the Chicago Department of Transportation, the project will include restoration of the historic stationhouse’s façade and terra cotta exterior, while the currently used station will receive a new escalator on the southbound side and new mid-platform exit stairs, as well as a dedicated bus drop off area, new bus shelters, new bike racks and a brand new bike lane on Garfield Blvd. Additionally, the entire stationhouse (floor, ceiling and walls) will be replaced, LED lighting will be installed and all station surfaces will receive a fresh coat of paint.
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