Chicago to recover $21 million from O’Hare contractors

Contractors involved in a terminal facade project at O’Hare International Airport have agreed to pay the city of Chicago $21 million to settle claims of defective design and construction.

The project’s general contractor, Chicago-based Walsh Construction, also agreed pay for repairing the work at O’Hare’s terminals 2 and 3 at a cost of an additional $26 million.

The project was supposed to enlarge the terminals and install a steel and glass canopy to cover passengers dropped off at the airport. The $300 million project went over its budget.

Corporation Counsel Stephen Patton says travelers were never in danger. Support columns were put in place until repairs were made.