Metra’s Union Pacific North rail line is the busiest commuter line in the RTA network. This eight-year, multi-phase program will rehabilitate track and bridge issues for 22 bridges – some dating from 1898 – along the five-mile Union Pacific right-of-way from Fullerton Avenue to Balmoral Avenue.

Cotter is providing an Assistant Resident Engineer, Documentation Technician, and construction inspection services for the phase of the program that demolishes and replaces 11 railway bridges from Addison Street to Balmoral Avenue, and the construction of a new platform and station at the UPRR Ravenswood stop. To perform the demolition of the existing abandoned Metra/UPRR track, the existing bridge superstructure and abutment were removed and a temporary earth retention system was installed to provide access for a new drilled shaft foundations, abutments, and bridge superstructure.

When the 11 bridges are reconstructed, train traffic will be redirected from the existing track and the remainder of the demolition will be conducted. To achieve this goal, a series of sheet pile walls will be installed to maintain track stability, and provide access to perform foundation work for the new station. When complete, the new Ravenswood station will feature warming shelters, HVAC, plumbing, lighting, and drainage systems.