Amtrak Train Wash Upgrades

Client: Amtrak
Location:  Chicago, IL
Year Completed:   2025

John Burns installed a new train car wash system equipment at Amtrak’s Chicago train yard. John Burns also managed the demolition and disposal of the existing train car wash system. This project was completed successfully while working in tight working spaces and corridors and frequent track outages.

• The demolition and disposal of the existing train car wash system included storage and process tanks, spray and rinsing arches, pumps, process piping, rotating brush assemblies, blower assemblies, and any miscellaneous equipment located inside the car wash facility. The work included all associated electrical control panels and wiring, mounting and miscellaneous materials.
• Structural repairs to multiple locations of the building included wall joint repair, structural steel repair to stairways and beams, concrete floor and vault repairs, partial replacement of building walls.
• Supply and installation of new car wash system equipment, including process and storage tanks, spray and rinsing arches, brush assemblies, blower assemblies, process piping, pumps. The work included the associated electrical control panels and wiring, mounting and miscellaneous materials.
• Creation and implementation of programming to operate the car wash system as a whole and required modes of operation for the car wash.
• Ventilation upgrades to remove diesel fumes while trainsets pass through the car wash building.
• Grading and asphalt paving to increase site drainage from around the exterior of the car wash building.