The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced the beginning of advance construction of Red Line extension with relocation of utility equipment and property demolition to make way for the major construction. “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.
For property demolition work, 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 comprises the relocation of 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.
The project of the Red Line extension consists of a 9 km section from 95th Street Terminal to 130th Street with four new, accessible stations. Each of the stations 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.
In September 2023, CTA selected three bidders for the construction of the Red Line extension, and anticipates that this year it will award the design-build contract.
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.
Next year, CTA will use USD 350 million federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transport for the construction of the new extension.
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