Skokie Swift Yellow Line Restabilization

A collapsed embankment on the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) “Skokie Swift” Yellow Line due to unrelated adjacent construction site activities forced the complete shutdown of the busy commuter line. Benesch provided emergency design services to fully restabilize the Yellow Line so it could reopen to the public as soon as possible.

To restore service, Benesch reviewed and assessed the proposed embankment reconstruction and evaluated temporary earth retention structures with heights up to 40 feet. Benesch coordinated closely with the CTA, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and contractors for survey and geotechnical services throughout the duration of the project.

The quick mobilization and response time resulted in the reopening of the Yellow Line less than two months after the collapse.