John Burns specializes in delivering safe, efficient construction solutions for the freight and rail sector. We serve Class I railroads, short line railroads, and commercial and industrial clients, bringing proven expertise in active rail environments. By self-performing critical scopes of work, we ensure greater control, quality, and responsiveness on every project. Our capabilities include track replacement and specialty track work, electrical and signal systems, bridge construction, underground utilities, and heavy civil improvements. We are a trusted partner to rail operators such as Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, BNSF, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City

John Burns builds safe, dependable and environmentally responsible electrical infrastructures. Sectors we serve include power, utility and overhead power storm restoration as part of our broad range of electrical construction services. Our Power and Utility group’s experience includes substation upgrades, and high voltage switchgear installations.  With decades of experience in this arena, we add value to our projects through our ability to self-perform key trades. John Burns performs at a higher level of quality and safety, and we are proud to advertise that we have been selected as the Contractor of Choice on many projects.

At John Burns Construction Company, we support general contractors and electrical contractors with essential underground utility services tailored to meet the power and connectivity demands of data centers. Backed by decades of experience in complex infrastructure work, we deliver safe, scalable, and high-performance systems that are critical to data center reliability and expansion.

John Burns specializes in delivering safe, efficient construction solutions for the Rail and Commuter Transit sector. With proven expertise in live-rail environments, we self-perform critical scopes of work to ensure greater control, quality, and responsiveness on every project. Our experience spans a wide range of transit infrastructures, including train stations, substations, bridges, structural buildouts, and heavy civil improvements. We are a trusted partner to agencies and railroads such as Metra, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Amtrak, NICTD, ISTHA, IDOT, and CDOT.

Since 1906, John Burns Construction Company has delivered reliable, high-quality construction services to the telecommunications industry. With a legacy of innovation and safety, we have successfully executed projects across diverse environments—from densely populated urban areas to remote rural sites. Our in-house teams are trained, certified, and equipped to manage fast-paced, technically complex work while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

John Burns delivers essential infrastructure solutions to support the reliable treatment, purification, and movement of water and wastewater across the region. Our team brings extensive experience working within critical facilities, including water purification plants, reclamation plants, and sewer systems where safety, precision, and scheduling are essential to success.

‍

We self-perform key scopes of work and understand the complex operational requirements of live facilities, often executing upgrades and replacements within confined spaces, tight outage windows, and active plant operations. Our proven ability to coordinate with plant personnel and maintain uninterrupted service distinguishes us as a trusted partner in water infrastructure construction.

John Burns is one of Illinois’ leading electrical infrastructure contractors and has successfully completed many projects for The City of Chicago, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, numerous other local municipalities and private customers.