Canal Street Viaduct Corridor from Madison to Taylor Streets – Cook County, Illinois

The Canal Street Viaduct corridor from Madison to Taylor Streets in downtown Chicago is undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation to improve structural performance and maintain critical transportation links in a dense urban environment. This multi-contract program includes staged superstructure replacement, full-depth deck reconstruction, substructure rehabilitation, and associated roadway improvements. Construction is being executed while maintaining continuous operations along heavily trafficked arterial roadways and active Metra and Amtrak rail corridors, including infrastructure serving Chicago Union Station, requiring careful planning and complex staging.

Multi-Segment Structural Rehabilitation
The program consists of four coordinated contracts, each addressing a distinct segment of the viaduct structure:

Jackson to Harrison (E-5-498)
Reconstruction of the Harrison Street Viaduct included staged demolition of the existing superstructure and installation of a new reinforced concrete deck supported on wide-flange steel beams bearing on rehabilitated piers founded on existing substructures. Construction occurred beneath predominantly active Amtrak rail operations, requiring detailed work plans, protective shielding, and continuous coordination to prevent service disruptions. Independent Design Reviews (IDRs) verified conformance with CDOT standards and contract documents.

Adams to Jackson (E-5-497)
This central segment involved full-depth-deck replacement, selective steel framing replacement, column rehabilitation including concrete encasement repairs, and structural steel and lighting system upgrades. Work was performed directly below active Metra and Amtrak tracks within the Union Station rail corridor. Complex staging, railroad flagging coordination, and structural protection measures were required to maintain uninterrupted passenger and commuter rail operations.

Jackson to Madison (E-5-496)
Rehabilitation of the north segment includes deck replacement, concrete repairs to piers and abutments, bearing evaluations, and approach slab reconstruction. Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) staging and sequencing is critical to maintain traffic flow along Canal Street while ensuring safe access for construction operations.

Harrison to Taylor (E-5-499)
The southernmost segment will include structural rehabilitation, deck and substructure repairs, and roadway reconstruction. DB Sterlin will provide Construction Management (CM) services, including field inspection, documentation, schedule monitoring, and coordination with stakeholders to ensure adherence to specifications, quality control standards, and safety requirements.

Construction Engineering and Rail Coordination
DB Sterlin’s responsibilities include daily field inspections, preparation of Inspector Daily Reports, review and processing of submittals and shop drawings, quantity verification, and monitoring contract compliance. The project is located above active rail infrastructure and within a busy downtown transportation network, requiring close coordination with CDOT, Metra, Amtrak, and Union Station operations. To mitigate risk, maintain public safety, and preserve continuous rail and pedestrian access throughout construction, DB Sterlin has implemented detailed staging plans, structural protection systems, and real-time communication protocols.

Strengthening Critical Urban Infrastructure
The Canal Street Viaduct Rehabilitation Program enhances structural capacity, improves serviceability, and extends the design life of this critical transportation corridor. Through disciplined construction management, technical oversight, and coordination with multiple stakeholders, DB Sterlin is supporting the long-term resiliency and operational reliability of one of Chicago’s most infrastructure-intensive corridors.