Table Of Contents - Chicago Transit Authority

3.2.3.2 O’Hare Route – Blue Line Elevated
CTA Express Airport Train Service Business Plan
Two 3,000-foot passing tracks would be constructed, one southbound at California/Milwaukee, the other
northbound at Damen/Milwaukee. These will allow the express train to pass a stopped Blue Line local
train. In addition, the two stations would be reconstructed to accommodate this additional track. At
Damen/Milwaukee, the station reconstruction is also planned to eliminate the “jog” in the mainline tracks
at North Avenue. Consequently, about 1,100 feet of mainline structure and double-track railroad would
also be reconstructed as part of this effort.
The passing tracks would be fully-signalized. Number 20 switches (suitable for 40 mph) would be used
at each end of the siding, allowing local trains to enter and leave as close to line speed as possible while
properly and safely berthing the train in the station.
3.2.3.3 O’Hare Route – Kennedy Expressway-UP Alignment
Costs for the Kennedy Expressway-UP Alignment option along the UP-Northwest embankment total $843
million. Key components include construction of an aerial structure from Augusta to Balmoral; a subway
connection to the Blue Line at Milwaukee-Elston; new double-track construction; and new substations
along the alignment. Intermediate crossovers and a long center-track section will be provided to increase
the operating flexibility of the physical plant. Widened structure cross sections would be provided at two
locations to facilitate the future implementation of intermediate stations (at Division Street and Jefferson
Park).
3.2.3.4 Midway Route
Passing tracks would be constructed in both directions in the vicinity of the Western-49 th Station. Major
elements include cut and fill work, the construction of new express tracks, and signaling and
communication systems.
3.2.4 Right-of-Way
Approximately $100 million in property acquisitions are required to accommodate construction of passing
tracks. For the Blue Line Elevated section along the O’Hare route, a total of $10.9 million in acquisition
cost is estimated. This estimate is based on a 75,600 square feet acquisition at $144 per square feet.
Under the Kennedy Expressway-UP Alignment, additional property acquisition costs total $50.7 million,
based on 412,215 square feet at $123 per square feet. This cost includes surface land at the Blue Line
connection and a ramp to an elevated structure, along with substation sites. No cost for Illinois
Department of Transportation (IDOT) ROW is assumed. Easement costs to cross the UP rail lines (at two
locations – Addison Street and north of Jefferson Park) were also included in the estimated cost for the
new alignment.
For the Midway route, property acquisition costs total $36.9 million, for a total of 722,850 at $51 per
square-foot. Included in the acquisition is a 50-foot strip along 49th Street and a 100-foot strip from 49 th
to 40 th .
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