Local
Federal Review Clears Path for $900M Amtrak Yard in Bridgeport, but Residents Vow to Fight On
A U.S. Department of Transportation environmental assessment found no significant impact from Amtrak's proposed $900 million maintenance facility in Bridgeport, despite acknowledging contaminated soil, groundwater, and daily vibrations. Neighbors and some aldermen are pushing back, citing thousands of residents within 500 feet and demanding a fuller review of alternatives.
A federal environmental assessment released Saturday has concluded that Amtrak's proposed $900 million maintenance facility in Bridgeport would have no significant impact on the surrounding environment, clearing a key hurdle for the project even as neighborhood residents and some aldermen continue to raise concerns.
The assessment, conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, examined the plan to relocate Amtrak's maintenance operations from the South Loop to a site on Canal Street near Rate Field. Amtrak says it chose the Bridgeport location because of its proximity to Union Station.
The report acknowledges the presence of contaminated soil and groundwater at the site, as well as daily vibrations that nearby residents would experience from yard operations. Despite those findings, the agency determined the overall impact would be insignificant.
Neighbors said the conclusion came as little surprise, but they argue the assessment falls short of what their community deserves. More than 6,500 people live within 500 feet of the proposed site, according to residents, who say they want a meaningful examination of non-residential alternatives before the neighborhood commits to the project.
The facility is closely tied to broader plans for a potential new White Sox stadium in the South Loop. The team's minority owner is the private developer and delivery partner for the Amtrak project and is providing $125 million in private capital.
Some aldermen have spoken out against the project, though they acknowledge they cannot stop it from moving forward. A resolution opposing the facility is set to advance to a vote by the full City Council soon.
The project would replace Amtrak's current maintenance yard, which the railroad says it is considering rebuilding in place or relocating elsewhere. The Bridgeport site remains the preferred option.