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Walsh-Fluor JV, with Stantec and EXP selected to modernize Chicago rail lines

Walsh-Fluor JV, with Stantec and EXP selected to modernize Chicago rail lines

Chicago — The joint venture (JV) team of Walsh Construction Company and Fluor was selected as the preferred partner to design and build Phase One of the Red and Purple Line Modernization Program for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). EXP, as part of the team, will provide all architectural and engineering services and all disciplines for all buildings, including new stations, temporary stations and miscellaneous support facilities. EXP is also the structural engineer for the 1-mile-long “flyover” bridge.

The $2.1 billion project will be the largest capital project in CTA’s history, ultimately resulting in expanded capacity and improved infrastructure along the region’s most used rail lines. The project includes designing and building new elevated tracks along a 1.9 mile section in Chicago including new bridges, support structures and existing tracks; upgrading 3.2 miles of the signal system; construction of a grade-separated bypass for the Brown Line at Clark Junction that will result in improved mobility, and replacing four of the CTA’s busiest stations.

“Fluor is pleased to have been selected by the CTA to deliver this massive project on the nearly century-old Red and Purple Lines,” said Terence Easton, president of Fluor’s infrastructure business. “When complete, this project will help build prosperity and empower progress for the region as well as improve transit for the citizens of Chicago. This selection further solidifies Fluor’s industry-leading expertise in North America as a frontrunner in transit projects and the delivery of infrastructure megaprojects.”

Jef Jakalski, Vice President for EXP’s, Buildings group, led EXP to this accomplishment stated, “EXP has been committed to the growth and success of the City of Chicago and its infrastructure since our inception. We are honored and proud to be a part of this project which will transform Chicago transit and the communities it serves.”

Construction will begin in 2019, with the entire project completing in early 2025.  EXP anticipates hiring numerous employees specializing in architecture, structural engineering and MEP engineering to successfully keep up with current and growing workloads. EXP will actively begin recruiting for highly trained and capable engineers through our recruiters, universities and online job postings.

EXP has worked on Chicago transit projects dating early back in its history. The recently completed Washington/Wabash Elevated Train Station, designed by EXP, is an iconic CTA station that symbolizes the forward-moving transformation of Chicago’s public infrastructure system and EXP is excited to continue be a part of the modernization that positively impacts riders and communities.

Fluor and Walsh, along with the team’s designer Stantec Consulting Services, also bring decades of industry megaproject and transit experience to this massive program that will deliver state-of-the-art services, improved quality, safety and reliability, and an upgraded customer experience to the users of the Red and Purple Lines.