Project Management Oversight (PMO) Capital Projects

Metra continued to make headway on the project. The generator is 93% complete and expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

This project is in the design phase. The 60% design mark was reached during this reporting period and 90% design mark is underway. Benesch is continuing to review and respond to comments from Metra and UPRR as they come in. Once all comments are addressed. Concurrently, a new Existing Facility Protection package will be submitted once a construction contract si awarded.

Metra continued the preparation of the final design Architectural and Engineering task orders for elevator replacement. The Randolph St. elevator has NEPA issues to resolve. The two other elevators at Grand & Cicero are at 90% and proceeding to 100% design completion. A systemwide elevator inspection and assessment is in progress as well.

Design has been completed by CTA’s in-house engineering staff. The Notice to Proceed for construction was issued in March 2023. The contractor is currently working through the submittal process and getting ready to mobilize for field work.

The structural design was approved by the CTA and the first snowfighter was received on CTA property as of this reporting period. The contractor and CTA are working to finalize modifications and testing on the first snowfighter and then will be pushed to the remaining three snowfighters. Testing and modification activities continue.

The project is currently in phase 8 of 10 of the rehabilitation process. As of the end of March 2024, 227 cars were completed with another three expected to be completed in April. Overhaul activities continue on this project.

Design for the new station was completed. The contracts for construction management and construction contractor were procured and awarded in June and July 2021, respectively. Notice to Proceeds were issued in June 2021 for the Construction Manager and August 2021 for the Construction Contractor. The project had a stop work order in place but it was rescinded. Construction continues with the contractor working on concrete ramps and stairs, platform work, and bridge waterproofing. Union Pacific continues to perform flagging activities for the station construction.

FHP heavy mobilization is expected to begin in late April 2024 at the new laydown location at Leavitt and Lake. Heavy mobilization is expected to involve FHP’s construction materials, construction trailers and equipment. FHP plans on having their first 54-hour line cut that is scheduled for April 26, 2024, with May 3, 2024, being a backup date as contingency. During this line cut, FHP expects to perform steel erection at Racine Station and Morgan house. FHP has requested a TAO (Track Access Occurrence) that allows manpower to work without ROW (Right of Way) training due to the complete power shut down and no train service in the work zone. The line cut work zone will extend between UIC Halsted and IMD and will be supported by CTA bus shuttles in the area. The dates are contingent on steel fabrication and submittal approvals. Morgan steel fabrication is in the final stages and currently undergoing the galvanizing stage. Racine is currently being fabr

Designs were completed in this reporting period for both Phase II and Phase III. Metra continued shipping of field materials which is still in progress as well as Metra Force Account construction activities continued with signal installation.