STV helps complete Chicago Red Line station modernization project

Chicago — With construction support services courtesy of STV, the major renovation and modernization of the Clark/Division Station on Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line has been completed, making travel easier for the thousands of Chicagoans who use the station daily.

The $50 million construction project – which was recently given an award by the Illinois chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC-IL) – was managed by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) on behalf of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). STV provided construction management services for the owner, CDOT, and served as the liaison to the CTA, the end user. This four-phase project entailed construction of an entirely new 8,800-square-foot station mezzanine area at the intersection of LaSalle and Division streets, rehabilitation and modernization of the existing Clark Street mezzanine, and rehabilitation of the 440-foot subway platform, all to reduce passenger congestion and create an ADA-compliant station. The Clark/Division Station is the line’s 16th-busiest rail station, with more than 2.5 million station entries, according to the CTA.

Customers can now enter and exit the station at either LaSalle Street or Clark Street, improving access and the passenger experience. The project was completed substantially under budget due to tight cost controls by CDOT and STV.

“Coordination with the general contractor, city agencies, utility companies and end user was key to the successful completion of this project,” said John Michalik, STV’s resident engineer assigned to the project. “All parties were kept in the loop during the construction and shop drawing review process.  Many meetings were held throughout the project with the client and the CTA to provide feedback regarding construction issues.”

Station upgrades include state-of-the-art communications and security equipment, bright and energy-efficient lighting, granite floors and signage. In addition, ADA-compliant elevators and escalators were added to the LaSalle Street side and the existing escalator was replaced on the Clark Street side. New customer digital fare control equipment and customer assistance kiosks were installed in both mezzanines.

The entire station now features wall and ceiling architectural finishes. The mezzanine walls were tiled with a shading of the Chicago skyline, and all the public ceilings have futuristic stainless steel textured finishes.

The initiative will be honored in February 2016 as one of the top design and construction projects in Illinois with a “Special Achievement Award” at ACEC-IL’s Annual Engineering Excellence Awards luncheon.