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= Chicago Mega Projects =

This page is for construction projects in and around Chicago. With aging infrastructure and delayed maintenance, many of the projects are the combination of an overwhelming number of individual projects. These projects have created thousands of jobs throughout their project lifecycle. Not only are these projects carried out to increase economic benefits in and around Chicago, but they also aim to improve safety, accessibility, and general well-being of those around the city.

= Mega Projects =

Chicago is constantly under construction. However unlike lots of upkeep projects, several megaproject's have taken place recently, with additional ones underway, and planned for the future. Some of these projects encompass vehicle infrastructure, others airlines or railways. Some also take aim at countering flooding during large storms.

O'Hare International Airport Projects
As one of the most critical first steps in modernizing O'Hare, the over 2 mile long runway 9C/27C was created to help increase and balance air traffic coming and departing from the airport. Just before that was completed, the first stage of the O'Hare 21 mega project began with Terminal 5 receiving significant upgrades. Terminal 5 upgrades were completed in 2023, just as new projects began.

With the new runway complete in 2020, it will allow for an all new expansion for O'Hare. The Global Terminal is a proposed overhaul of Terminal 2, with two additional satellite concourses being built as well. This change will bring international travel directly into the main terminals, with modern security and border control stations. Not only will this improve connections between domestic and international flights, the Chicago Department of Aviation anticipates adding gates to accommodate the Airbus A380. Additionally, the CDA believes with the two satellite concourses being added, they will ensure that capacity can remain at normal levels throughout the entire project. Construction of the satellite concourses commenced in 2023, with Terminal 2 construction not expected until 2026.

Interstate Projects
Several projects are underway as of 2023, with the two most notable projects being along I-294, South-West of O'Hare, and I-90 along the Kennedy Expressway. The two projects will take multiple years to complete and are both being done in stages.

I-294 Upgrades
One of the most major section of interstate around Chicago is centered around junctions between I-90 and I-294 near O'Hare. With a significant amount of traffic going West onto I-90 from South I-294, a new bypass is under construction to allow commercial and personal travel to move around the large airport complex more efficiently. In addition to adding two new junctions along existing interstates (SW of O'Hare along I-294 and NW of O'Hare along I-90), the new section of interstate, which will be named I-490, will get an interchange halfway along with Illinois Route 390.

This work is critical to the area surrounding the Tri-State Tollway and communities West and South of O'Hare. These improvements include additional lanes, adding flex-lanes for emergency personnel and during high traffic periods. With this, it is expected to reduce traffic for the 220,000 daily motorists that travel along this corridor.

Other improvements that will be done include redoing several existing interchanges at North Ave., I-290/I-88, and Cork Ave/79th St. Further, the Illinois Department of Transportation plans for the flex lanes is that it will be added in both directions from 95th St. North to Balmoral Ave. The last major element of the project will include adding a tollbooth along the interstate, South-East of O'Hare.

I-90/Kennedy Expressway Improvements
In three stages, bridges, on-ramps, and off-ramps along the Kennedy Expressway will undergo significant refurbishment work. The first phase tackled the inbound lanes, and began in 2023, recently concluding in late 2023/early 2024. This is when the Express lanes will be refurbished throughout 2024, before IDOT anticipates beginning work on outbound lanes in 2025. In total, the project highlighted 63 individual places along the expressway where improvements will take place.

Railway Projects
Chicago was built around it's centrality and access to railways throughout the country. The passenger stations, freight yards, and intermodal terminals are crucial points of infrastructure that allow Chicago to remain a hub for people and cargo traveling between the coasts, as well as from Canada.

Illinois High Speed Rail
The connections between Chicago and Saint Louis, MO is a crucial one for passenger transportation. However, IDOT confirmed that 99% of the 35 million annual trips between and along this area were done via car, bus, or plane, and not trains. This significantly restricts the ability for affordable and convenient travel when people are limited to these modes of transport. Adding an efficient, and cost competitive, alternative for individuals is expected to increase accessibility for the citizens in both cities, but also for those along the route.

This project is not complete as of 2024, with funding for different sections still not available. However, many steps have already been carried out to improve passenger's rail experience. Stations in Dwight, Pontiac, Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville, and Alton all received significant upgrades or were built new. Additionally, a multimodal station, which allows easy transfer between bike and pedestrian infrastructure with the rail network, was built in Joliet.

Multimodal Freight Improvements
With dozens of multimodal freight facilities around Chicago, the city is looking to prime itself for future growth. Multiple projects are underway, or planned, at several privately owned facilities around the city. IDOT mandates that any improvements, should they desire government funds, would need to provide an increase in safety for both workers and truckers, but also pedestrians and passenger transit. One such project being carried out aims to provide grade separation for pedestrians and vehicles from the railway. With this, and the other CREATE projects, it's expected that over a 30-year period, they will save over 100 lives, and prevent nearly 17,000 injuries. This is in addition to the economic benefits the projects aspire for, which could total over $30 Billion. For those around the areas of these facilities, it's also expected to reduce annual traffic congestion by over 800,000 passenger hours. The entire project is estimated, by 2051, to increase freight train journeys through Chicago by over 50,000 annually.

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan
One of the biggest threats to Chicago residents is when heavy rainfall rolls in. However this has changed after the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago completed the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan which helped alleviate stormwater overflow events around the greater Chicago area. This mega project consists of a network of tunnels dug 150-300 feet underground. With the reservoirs they are connected to, the system will eventually hold over 20 billion gallons of water. The project consisted of two phases. Phase 1 being the 110 miles of tunnels. Phase 2 being the construction of 3 reservoirs. Two were complete as of 2017, with the final reservoir expected to be complete by 2029.

Old Post Office Renovation
As one of the largest office buildings in the United States, the Old Chicago Main Post Office received nearly one billion dollars worth of renovations. This includes restoration work to its' Art Deco lobby, where original marble was kept along with the modern update. In addition, the sprawling building allowed for several additions as well. This includes a 28,000 square foot fitness facility, a food court, and a massive rooftop area that spreads out over 3.5 acres and includes a running track for tenants. One other aspect of the refurbishment work was for the famous Chicago Riverwalk to be extended.