Project Overview

Project Overview

Chicago Transit’s Authority (CTA) Plans for Purple Line Viaducts and Embankments in the City of Evanston - 2011 & 2012

CTA Purple Train.jpgIn July 2011 the Chicago Transit Authority Board approved a $10.3 million contract to replace the Purple Line viaducts at Grove, Dempster and Greenleaf Streets in Evanston as well as to repair the retaining wall along Chicago Avenue from Madison Street to South Boulevard. This critical public infrastructure project is a result of years of strong leadership by Assistant State Senate Majority Leader Jeff Schoenberg as well as advocacy by Mayor Tisdahl and the Evanston City Council.

The CTA plans to replace the almost 100 year old existing viaducts with modern, new steel bridges at the three sites.  These new viaducts will be more visually appealing, changing the flow of customers to business on both sides of the viaducts, creating greater opportunities for economic development. Neighbors previously divided by old, run-down viaducts will be united, reaching neighborhoods to both the east and the west.

The bridges’ (or viaducts’) footprints will be smaller, allowing for better sightlines for pedestrians and drivers increasing safety for both. The trains along the line will be able to run a bit faster, delivering people to locations throughout Evanston and Chicago with greater ease and speed.

Additionally, CTA will fix the embankment wall along Chicago Avenue from Madison Street to South Boulevard. The embankment will become more visually appealing adding greater value to vital commercial and residential areas. Both are critical first step in the long-term project of redoing the entire CTA Purple Line.