Work Continues on Norfolk Southern’s Intermodal Facility in Chicago
CHICAGO, IL— Progress continues at Norfolk Southern’s 47th Street Intermodal Facility, a key intermodal terminal in the Chicago area. As part of Norfolk Southern’s efforts to modernize the facility, several Benesch-designed projects are underway or recently completed to enhance the facility’s capacity, efficiency and overall functionality.
Currently, construction efforts are focused on rehabilitating the unloading and loading pads and trailer parking areas. In addition to pavement and striping upgrades, new drainage and underground stormwater detention systems are being improved to efficiently manage runoff. These systems are designed to capture and infiltrate stormwater into the soils below, enhancing both safety and pavement longevity. The design required careful planning to maximize infiltration while avoiding conflicts with existing railroad infrastructure.
Benesch has served as a trusted partner to Norfolk Southern for over a decade, providing a wide range of services at the facility including design, civil and structural engineering, surveying, geotechnical, pavement design, electrical work, automated gate systems and field services.
The location’s highly urbanized environment has posed logistical and regulatory challenges, such as navigating complex permitting and securing street vacations to accommodate expansions and minimize disruptions to the surrounding community.
“Our integrated approach allows us to effectively tackle these challenges,” said Darwin Schafer, PE. “By offering a wide range of services in-house, we are able to streamline coordination across disciplines, meet tight design schedules and quickly adapt to the project’s evolving demands.”
Recently, Benesch completed the design for the first three phases of concrete craneway improvements at the facility, adding 9,000 feet of new craneways and upgrading track infrastructure. These enhancements allow for more efficient loading and unloading operations using new overhead cranes. Benesch successfully designed the craneways to be relatively flat while accommodating the facility’s varying site grades.
Benesch is also assisting Norfolk Southern with the design and master planning for the South of Garfield expansion, a decades-long project aimed at significantly increasing the facility’s size. As work continues, Benesch remains a key partner to Norfolk Southern, delivering innovative solutions that support the evolving needs of this critical transportation hub.
