Chicago to Begin Advance Construction on Red Line

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) took a significant step for the Red Line Extension (RLE) Project: The start of advance construction — relocation of utility equipment and property demolition — this summer to make way for the new 5.6-mile Red Line Extension from 95th Street Terminal to 130th Street with four new Red Line stations.

“The Red Line Extension Project is coming to the Far South Side of Chicago, and this summer we will take a huge leap forward by starting the groundwork necessary to build new Red Line tracks and stations,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. “As a native South Sider, I am proud to deliver on CTA’s promise to transit customers and local residents of new affordable, convenient and reliable Red Line service, as well as bring a wealth of job and training opportunities to residents.”

Red Line Project Overview

The RLE project is a 5.6-mile extension of the Red Line starting at 95th Street Terminal to the vicinity of 130th Street and includes building four new, accessible stations near 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue, and 130th Street, each of which is expected to include bus, bike, pedestrian, and parking facilities.

The project will also build a new rail yard and related rail facilities near 120th Street to improve operational efficiency for the entire Red Line and CTA system. Construction is expected to start in late 2025 and be completed by the end of 2029.

CTA anticipates awarding a design-build contract for the RLE in 2024.

Construction of the Red Line Extension

The Red Line Extension will provide a new, more direct connection to the Red Line. Once the extension opens, it is expected to provide up to 30 minutes of time savings to riders traveling from the future 130th Station to the Loop.

The project will also generate long-lasting economic benefits for the Far South Side via small business and workforce/career opportunities with RLE and CTA, as well as new economic development in the project area.

CTA will begin work in 2024 to prepare for the start of construction of the 5.6-mile Red Line Extension from 95th Street to 130th Street:

• Property demolition work: To build the Red Line Extension, CTA has acquired properties located in the future track alignment. Demolition is expected to begin late summer or fall 2024 and continue into 2025. As work dates and plans are finalized, locations and timing will be shared with the public.
• Advance utility relocation: CTA will relocate utility equipment to clear the way for new track and station construction. This work is expected to begin this summer and occur throughout the Red Line Extension project area and will include new underground trenches and relocation of power and communication lines; shorter poles installed to provide service to adjacent properties; and relocation of power transformers on poles to underground.

Red Line Extension Benefits

The Red Line Extension will offer many benefits to the Far South Side and its residents, including:

• The Red Line Extension will provide up to 30 minutes of time savings to riders traveling from the future 130th Station to the Loop.
• The RLE is expected to bring more than 25,000 jobs to Cook County in future years.
• Opportunities for workforce training, jobs, and participation in the project by small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)-certified small businesses.
• CTA supports DBEs through efforts including the Building Small Business program and partnerships with its construction contractors.
• An award-winning RLE Transit-Supportive Development Plan in partnership with Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development that will guide the future development of the long-disinvested communities located near the RLE project area, and it reflects the vision of those who currently reside and conduct business in these communities.