Upgrade at 63rd and Harlem

A new crossing is set to be installed at 63rd Street and Harlem Avenue. 

The project is slated to start July 10 and conclude later that month. It will entail a total replacement and upgrade of the existing crossing, which currently has no track panels. New rigid concrete track panels, signal equipment and pavement will be added. Two 100-ton cranes will be used to install the panels, which BRC crews already have begun to build. 

The project will require closing a busy road for as much as two weeks and coordination with Chicago Transit Authority, the city of Chicago, Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Department of Transportation and Midway Airport. Track access will be limited at the double main line crossing during the project.

Resident Engineer Russell Coate said the project requires traditional engineering work and that he and his team would take ownership of the job from start to finish. 

After the project is complete, the street and crossing will be at the same grade. This will mean smoother rides for commuters and enhance fluidity.