November 23, 2021, Chicago, IL –The first major improvement milestone in the historic $2.1 billion Chicago Transit Authority Red-Purple Modernization (RPM) project has been achieved with the completion of the Red-Purple Bypass. EXP, as part of the Walsh Fluor Design Build Team, served as the lead designer of the Bypass bridge structure.
Also known as the Belmont Flyover, the Red-Purple Bypass eliminates a 114-year-old bottleneck between the three lines, which has caused congestion and delays. The new Bypass Brown Line trains now travel on a dedicated rail, passing above the Red and Purple line tracks, eliminating capacity restrictions and delivering faster and more reliable service to the Red Line, the CTA’s busiest line.
EXP was the lead structural engineer for the Bypass structure, which included the design of the flyover, replacement of steel structures with concrete precast segments, noise reduction walls and new concrete columns to support the new structure.
“EXP is honored to participate in the delivery of such impactful and transformative infrastructure improvement projects such as this,” said Senior Vice President Jef Jakalski, AIA. “As part of the Walsh Fluor Design-Build team, we worked with the CTA to develop solutions that not only improve the service and reliability of the CTA system but also contribute to the character of the neighborhoods through which the CTA weaves. We look forward to completing Phase I and to continuing to support future modernization and improvement projects.”
In addition to the Bypass, Phase I of the RPM project includes the reconstruction of the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations and platforms, temporary stations, support facilities, tracks and support structures.
Learn more about the opening of the Red-Purple Bypass here.
Credit: Chicago Transit Authority
###
About EXP
With a mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services to the world’s built and natural environments. Our heritage dates back to 1906, when the earliest of EXP’s predecessor companies started its engineering infrastructure practice.
Today, over 3,500 creative EXP professionals across North America provide the passion and experience needed to deliver successful projects around the world. For more information, visit www.exp.com.
Media contact
Nadia Abou
EXP | Communications Manager, US
t : +1.312.616.7430 | e : nadia.abou@exp.com