USA: Three potential bidders have prequalifed to submit proposals for the design and build contract for Chicago Transit Authority’s $3·6bn Red Line Extension metro project.
They are:
- FH Paschen, Ragnar Benson, Milhouse and BOWA joint venture;
- Kiewit Infrastructure;
- Walsh Vinci Transit Community Partners.
The project will extend the Red Line 9 km from the existing southern terminus at 95th Street to 130th Street, with four fully accessible stations plus a stabling and maintenance facility.
‘This historic project represents equity for the underserved South Side community by finally giving them a rail line that extends to the city limits’, said CTA President Dorval Carter Jr on May 12.
Proposals are due to be submitted in early 2024, with the contract award expected by the end of that year.
The proposals are to be evaluated against a variety of criteria, including experience, price and diversity outreach plans. CTA said it has ‘aggressive’ workforce goals, requiring significant participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprise-certified firms and works from under-represented communities and economically disadvantaged areas; outreach events will be held to help inform potential participants of the opportunities.
CTA expects major construction works to begin in late 2025, subject to securing full project funding.
