Durable Air Filters Ensure Travelers’ Comfort on Pedway at Chicago’s Midway Airport

        "The biggest boost came…when the Southwest Side elevated (commuter rail) line opened. It cut travel time from the area to the Loop by two-thirds," reported Crain’s Chicago Business magazine in September 1994.

        Construction of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Orange Line, which directly connects Midway to downtown Chicago, led to the construction of the Pedway or people mover. This spacious, enclosed corridor safely transports travelers directly to Midway from the rail station.

        The Pedway, which was designed by Harry Weese & Associates, spans 1,200-ft (366 m). The Pedway walls include windows with louvers at the top and bottom for natural ventilation. Its ceiling features exhaust fans at 100-ft (30m) intervals.

        Plans called for air filters to be installed within the louvers to eliminate the potential for infiltration of rain, snow and other elements. Because the louvers open directly to the outside, it was specified that the filters could not disintegrate over time.

        Electrostatic filters, manufactured by Permatron Corp., were specified for the project. Their purpose was to allow natural airflow through the Pedway and to filter out adverse elements such as dust, dirt, leaves, snow and rain. More than 600 Permatron Mode U filters were installed between the inside face of the louvers and perforated metal panels.