The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has secured $1.9 billion through a funding agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that will advance the highly anticipated Red Line Extension (RLE) project, a $5.7 billion transit project that is expected to break ground in 2026, with the extension and new stations to be in service in 2030. The remaining funds will come from local and state sources.
In August 2024, CTA awarded the design and build component of the contract to Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners, who will add 5.5 miles to the area’s busiest rail line that will connect underserved neighbourhoods in the South Side to critical job centers, educational institutions, healthcare services, and local businesses between 95th Street and 130th Street. New stations will be built at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue near 116th Street, and 130th Street.
Substantial economic advantages are expected to result from this infrastructure investment including 12,500 construction jobs and another 59,800 indirect jobs, in addition to supporting 25,000 jobs through improved access to transit.
To make this project a reality, CTA worked with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) on a Transit-Supportive Development Plan related to future investment and optimizing benefits derived from its operation. Priorities include sustainable development, community engagement, and economic inclusion.
The project offers workforce training, apprenticeships, and career development opportunities through partnerships with a variety of organizations, and small disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) certified businesses will be given the opportunity to participate through CTA’s Building Small Business program.
For more information on the Red Line Extension Project, visit https://www.transitchicago.com/rle/.
