Ardmore Roderick is part of the Elevated Solutions Partners (ESP) joint venture with Arcadis and Jacobs, as Owner’s Representative for Phase One of the Red and Purple Modernization Program (RPM). RPM is the largest capital investment in Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) history that will modernize train service on the Red, Purple, and Brown Lines. Major construction of the design-build project began in October 2019.

The RPM corridor is a 9.6-mile stretch of track that was built close to a century ago. RPM Phase One will completely rebuild the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr stations and all the tracks, signal system, and support structures for more than a mile adjacent to the stations. Construction of track and signal modifications for two-track operation facilitates ongoing transit service alongside construction of columns, piers, and 70-100-foot caissons on the existing embankment. Access to the embankment is restricted by adjacent alleys serving residences and businesses, and construction staging areas are limited and require coordination with multiple third parties.

The stations will be accessible for the first time and include wider platforms, improved lighting, and modern amenities. Station closures in conjunction with construction of temporary stations minimize impact on service for customers. The project will also construct a Red-Purple Bypass north of the Belmont which will carry northbound Brown Line trains up and over Red and Purple Line tracks. Structural steel erection for the bypass will be constructed over 54-hour weekend shutdowns. The bypass will eliminate the need for trains to stop and wait for other trains to cross, allowing CTA to significantly increase the number of trains it runs along the Red Line, reducing overcrowding and meeting a growing demand for transit service.

Ardmore Roderick’s responsibilities on the RPM Owner’s Representative team include:

• Strategic Advising
• Project Closeout
• Document Control and Project Records Management
• Asset Management Coordination
• Cost Management including Change Order Review and Negotiation
• Contract Management
• Quality Management
• Advance Utility Coordination
• Design and Construction Review
• Surveying
• Field Engineering for Track and Stations
• Field Engineering for the Bypass flyover