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CHICAGO, IL (Railfan Journal) – Amtrak is embarking on a transformative journey to revitalize the Concourse at Chicago Union Station.
Seeking input from travelers, station users, and local residents, the initiative aims to bring cutting-edge improvements to the boarding process, modernize amenities, and introduce new services to the station, marking the first major enhancement at track level and above since 1991.
To kickstart the design phase, Amtrak has launched a comprehensive survey available at ChicagoUnionStation.com.
The survey, accessible through QR codes on video screens throughout the station, will be open until the end of the month.
The engagement underscores Amtrak’s commitment to involving Chicago Union Station users in the development process.
This visionary project is a key element of the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP), garnering support from state, regional, and federal leaders.
Amtrak is determined to shape the station’s future, emphasizing that the first opened in 1925 will serve as a crucial linchpin for the next hundred years.
Jeannie Kwon, Amtrak Vice President, Mega Programs Development and Coordination, stated, “We will involve our partners and the general public to develop a preferred design that will take us into the next hundred years.”
The project will be funded using federal capital funds, along with contributions from partners for both design and construction elements.
Barney Gray, Amtrak Assistant Vice President for Major Stations, affirms the commitment to pursuing various funding avenues, including grants, to ensure the Concourse’s reconstruction results in a state-of-the-art station befitting a premier city.
The design team, led by Chicago-based Epstein in collaboration with FXCollaborative, brings a wealth of experience managing large, complex projects.
Epstein’s commitment to achieving 28.2% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)/Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation underscores their dedication to inclusivity.
Randy Buescher, Epstein Principal-in-Charge, expressed pride in partnering with Amtrak on this ambitious project, highlighting the transformative impact it will have on the regional and local transportation network.
FXCollaborative’s lead designer, Stephan Dallendorfer, emphasized the strategic renovation’s lasting impact on shaping Chicago Union Station for the years to come.
With the current Concourse design dating back 32 years, the need for a modernized space is underscored by Amtrak’s growth from 2.3 million passengers in 1991 to 3.3 million in 2019, along with expanding routes in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and other Amtrak MidwestSM states.
Metra ridership at Chicago Union Station has similarly risen from 26.6 million to 32.6 million.
This ambitious project is part of Amtrak’s broader initiatives under the Capital Delivery department, investing in modern trains, updated stations, tunnels, bridges, and critical infrastructure upgrades.
With unprecedented capital funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Amtrak heralds A New Era of Rail, promising enhanced customer experiences, improved safety, economic development, reduced trip times, expanded capacity, accessibility, and a more sustainable future.