City of Chicago Refines Controversial Airport Expansion Plan
As Chicago residents are eagerly awaiting several high-profile public works projects to wrap this year, an extensive $6.6-billion plan to expand O'Hare International Airport moves forward. Despite opposition voiced from nearby property owners and others, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) has unveiled a revised copy of the city's original June 2001 proposal (ENR 7/9 p. 14), now pending general approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. Although the changes call for added design features and shorter schedules, Daley still assures that none of the costs will be borne by taxpayers.
On Dec. 23, Daley outlined the new "layout plan," which calls for 3,200 more long-term parking spaces, adjustments to runway placement, and a new Metra commuter-rail line with direct service to the airport's western terminal. Planners have also cut the project's original timeline from 15 to 11 years.