May 21, 2013

2013 Construction Season Underway for $1.5 Billion In Roadway, Waterway and Transit Infrastructure Projects

More Than 6,500 Jobs Will Be Supported by CTA, CDOT AND Water Management Project

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, City officials and labor leaders today announced more than $1.5 billion in roadway, waterway and transit infrastructure projects will be completed during the 2013 construction season and support 6,500 jobs as the city begins the second year of its ambitious Building a New Chicago infrastructure program.

“We are building a 21st century foundation for a 21st century economy, and improving our water, road and transit infrastructure in neighborhoods across the city,” said Mayor Emanuel.  “Better coordination between city agencies and private utilities reduces the disruption of each project and allows us to complete more work, and the result is that our infrastructure will be top-notch for generations.”

In 2013, the following investments will be made:

Department of Water Management ($475.7M)

  • 75 Miles of New Water Mains
  • 17 Miles of New Sewers
  • 14,000 Catch Basins Lined
  • 12,000 Meters Installed
  • Upgrade of Springfield Pumping Station

Department of Transportation ($483.9M)

  • 300 Miles of Resurfaced Streets (w/Water)
  • 270 Blocks of New street Lights
  • Install 35 miles of Bike Lines
  • Complete Wells St Bridge

Chicago Transit Authority ($601.1M)

  • New Red Line Dan Ryan Branch
  • Begin Construction on Wilson Station
  • Milwaukee Blue Line Track Work
  • Approximately two miles of New Loop Track
  • Upgraded (HD) Cameras on All El Stations

To help residents, commuters and tourists plan for temporary disruptions to roadways, city officials released a summary of projects whose breadth and depth are expected to have an impact on travel times for 30 days or longer.  These include:

 

Water Main Projects

Street                 From         To                  Start Date

Sheffield             Fullerton  Armitage       Late Spring

Michigan            55th St.     59th St.         June/July

Broadway          Balmoral  Foster           June/July

Pulaski               Wilson      Elston            June/July

Pearson             State          Michigan       July/August

Milwaukee         Ogden       Erie               October

Canal Street       31st St.      33rd St.         Fall

Superior            LaSalle      Dearborn     Mid/Late Fall

Chestnut            Orleans     LaSalle          Late Fall

Rush                   Oak            Chestnut       Late Fall

 

Sewer Main Projects

Street                 From         To                  Start Date

State                   9th St.         11th St.           TBD

Jackson/Canal                                           TBD

 

Transportation Projects

Street                 From         To                  Start Date

Ogden                 Madison   Western        May

Fairbanks          Grand       Pearson        June

Vincennes          67th St.     103rd St.       June

Harlem               Higgins     Howard        July

Western             34th St.     74th St.         July

The City of Chicago’s Project Coordination Office coordinates many of Building a New Chicago infrastructure improvement projects.  City departments and electric, gas and telecommunication utilities work on a roadway during the same time period to eliminate duplicative work, save resources and reduce the amount of time Chicago’s streets are closed or obstructed due to construction.  The City saved more than $10 million in 2012 by coordinating projects. 

The transportation projects are funded by a mix of local, state and federal funds.

Announced last year, Building a New Chicago is a $7 billion infrastructure program over three years, and one of the largest investments in infrastructure in the City’s history.  The program will touch nearly every aspect of the city’s infrastructure network and create more than 30,000 jobs during its three years.  Building a New Chicago involves an unprecedented level of coordination between City Hall, multiple city departments and sister agencies, private sector utilities, and the public. 

 

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Map of the 2013 Transportation and Water Roadway Construction