B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Type 333
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Procedure
We were climbing to our cruise altitude of FL350. We were in contact with Chicago Center. Passing through FL330; Chicago told us to stop the climb and level off at FL340 for traffic. We were then given a heading of 140 degrees. I would estimate that we were given direct EWC maybe no more than 60 seconds following the vector; and we proceeded on course. Another minute or so after this; we were given a heading of 180 degrees; approximately 90 degrees off course; and then told to make a 'tight turn.' I immediately complied and banked 30 degrees. On my navigation display I saw an intruder target at our altitude; in a climb; that very quickly became a yellow TA alert with its audible 'traffic; traffic' alert. In retrospect; I could not say how distant the aircraft was; but would guess 5-10 miles away. I could see the lights of the other aircraft through the windshield. I prepared for an RA resolution; but the RA never materialized; and the TCAS symbol changed to a non-threat. The aircraft had now climbed 1000 feet above our altitude; and we were once again cleared direct to EWC. Shortly after this; we were cleared to FL350.
B737 Captain reported receiving a TA at FL340 while on an ATC vector in the vicinity of EWC.