Chicago’s Harrison Street Viaduct between Canal Street and the Chicago River recently reopened to traffic, completing a major downtown infrastructure renewal just in time for Chicago’s busy fall and holiday season.
STV provided construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), helping deliver the project safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to one of the city’s most heavily traveled corridors.
Originally constructed in 1932, the 780-foot-long viaduct serves as a vital east-west route, linking the South Loop and West Loop neighborhoods. The structure accommodates automobiles, freight trucks, pedestrians and cyclists in both directions. The viaduct itself intersects with major rail lines, with 18 active Amtrak and Metra tracks running directly below near Union Station – meaning careful coordination was essential to maintain uninterrupted rail operations.
The $20 million project replaced the aging structure with a modern reinforced concrete deck supported by steel beams and piers anchored to the existing foundation. In addition, full roadway resurfacing, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalks and protected bike lanes were installed, improving safety and accessibility for all users while extending the viaduct’s service life.
“This project demonstrates the value of collaboration and communication,” said Kevin Nolan, engineering director for STV in Chicago. “By working closely with CDOT and other project partners and stakeholders, the project team delivered a durable, accessible structure that enhances mobility and strengthens connectivity for downtown Chicago.”
Construction required careful staging to maintain access for local businesses and residents while minimizing the impact on rail operations. Night and weekend work periods were utilized when necessary, and STV coordinated directly with property owners, Amtrak, Metra and other stakeholders to maintain the corridor’s open and safe status throughout the project.
The Harrison Street Viaduct is one of several CDOT projects focused on rehabilitating bridges over Union Station’s rail lines, including ongoing multi-phase work on four Canal Street viaducts. With its reopening, the viaduct once again provides a seamless, safe connection through downtown Chicago, supporting commuters, businesses and multimodal transportation across the city.
