CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – F.H. Paschen, a leader in infrastructure construction, announced key milestones on a trio of critical infrastructure projects in Chicago. Starting in 2023, F.H. Paschen’s Chicago team began work with The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) on their multi-phase project to rehabilitate viaducts of Canal Street between Taylor Street and Madison Street. These routes serve as both a major corridor into Chicago’s Central Business District and as the roof of Chicago Union Station.
“These viaducts are critical to Chicago’s transportation network and the daily movement of commuters and businesses,” said Jim Blair, CEO of F.H. Paschen. “Rehabilitating structures that are more than 100 years old while also maintaining traffic and rail operations, requires deep technical expertise, disciplined coordination and an unwavering commitment to safety.”
Canal Street Viaduct Rehabilitation Adams Street to Jackson Boulevard (Canal 1)
Construction began in May 2023, and the viaduct has been open for vehicles and pedestrians since December 2025. Two northbound lanes are open and accessible from eastbound Jackson, and full pedestrian access is available at both the Jackson and Adams intersections. Remaining work involves improvements at Union Station, including suspended ceiling work and interior finishes. Throughout construction, close coordination with the Chicago Department of Transportation, Amtrak, and Union Station stakeholders ensured continuous operations at one of the largest transit stations in the nation.
Canal Street Viaduct Rehabilitation Jackson Boulevard to Harrison Street (Canal 2)
This project consists of replacing structural beams and supports, removing sections of the concrete deck, and updating roadway surfaces, drainage systems, and lighting. Work began in January 2024 and recently reached a major milestone with bridge work completed and traffic switched over in mid-December. Since the viaduct is over the southbound Union Station tracks, the project team coordinated with Amtrak dispatch and rail operations to complete construction during scheduled nightly and weekend track outages, minimizing service impact.
Canal Street Viaduct Rehabilitation Madison Street to Adams Street (Canal 3)
The third project began in June 2024 and entered a new construction stage in mid-December, closing the east half of the elevated viaduct from Adams to Madison. A pedestrian protection platform was installed over the northbound Union Station tracks, while maintaining commuter rail service, in preparation for viaduct demolition. This project consists of the demolition of a 100+ year old viaduct superstructure; partial repairs and replacements to the substructure; the installation of new pavements and sidewalks; storm sewers upgrades, including a deep sewer replacement 25 feet below grade in stage 2; and lighting improvements.
These viaduct improvement projects are part of CDOT’s longstanding support of infrastructure improvements related to Union Station. The Canal Street improvements and CDOT’s other ongoing work on the Harrison Street viaduct will result in nearly one mile of city streets rebuilt on nearly 100-year-old viaduct structures dating back to the opening of the current Union Station in the 1920s.
Originally reported by F.H. Paschen.
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