Construction update from the Central Street Consortium

With the press box removal expected within the next six weeks, demolition of the stadium is nearly complete. Demolition of the press box will take place from the inside out, exposing the steel frame, which will begin coming down next week.

Temporary increase in vibrations, noise

Earth retention and caisson equipment, as well as construction office trailers, are now arriving on site as crews prepare for the next phase of the project. Construction activities will begin in earnest the week of May 6, with the installation of earth retention sheathing and fabrication of deep foundation rebar cages. Deep foundation drilling will begin in mid-May.

This stage of construction is expected to bring a temporary increase in vibration levels and noise profiles, peaking in the first two weeks and lasting about 40 days. Activity will start on the east side of the job site, progressing south.

Northwestern and the Central Street Consortium continue to monitor vibrations caused by construction activities to ensure levels do not exceed limits, protecting the surrounding environment and structures. Monthly reports are available to view on the City of Evanston website. To date, vibration levels have been well below allowable limits.

Uptick in trucking

This phase of construction also will bring an increase in the number of trucks on site, as mass excavation work begins. The Central Street Consortium is working with drivers to ensure adherence with covering mandates and approved truck routes. Trucks are being inspected through three checkpoints prior to leaving the site. Trucks without operable covers are either turned away from the site or unloaded and sent away. Street sweepers will continue to follow trucks leaving the site.

Stadium truck traffic remains limited to: Golf Road and Emerson Street between Crawford and Sherman Avenues; Sherman Avenue between Emerson and Central Streets; and Central Street between Sherman and Ashland Avenues. View the route map approved by the City of Evanston in the Construction Management Plan.

Questions or concerns?

Northwestern and the Central Street Consortium, in coordination with the City of Evanston, are committed to maintaining a responsive and robust channel of communication with the community throughout the process to Rebuild Ryan Field. Visit the Ryan Field website to explore several ways to ask questions and stay informed about upcoming milestones.

Photo taken the week of April 29 by the Central Street Consortium

The press box is the only piece of the old Ryan Field left standing. The external structure will begin coming down the week of May 6.

Excavation begins

Demolition materials are being hauled offsite, and excavation activities have ramped up, signaling the start of construction. Crews are preparing the site for the arrival of the Earth Retention Systems which paves the way to building. Check out the latest scenes from the job site on the Central Street Consortium’s Instagram.