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Chicago Transit Authority secures $1.9 billion to propel Red Line extension

Design and Construction Report staff writer

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has finalized a $1.9 billion funding agreement that will push forward the highly anticipated Red Line Extension (RLE) project. The agreement, signed with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), is the final step needed for the $5.7 billion transit expansion and brings the transformative project closer to groundbreaking in early 2026.

CTA awarded a contract in August 2024 to Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners to design and build the RLE project. The new extension and stations are expected to be completed and in service in 2030. “This project is transformational for our city, especially for the South Side,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “It’s an investment in people, creating equitable transportation options and driving economic growth across communities. This historic moment is made possible by the collaboration of partners at every level of government.”

The Red Line Extension, which will add 5.5 miles to the CTA’s busiest rail line, will stretch from 95th Street to 130th Street, with four new stations planned for 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue (near 116th Street), and 130th Street. The extension will connect underserved neighborhoods to critical job centers, educational institutions, healthcare services, and local businesses.

“After decades of waiting, a profound change for Chicagoans is finally on the horizon,” said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “This expansion will not only improve transit access for the Far South Side but will fuel long-term economic development and create vibrant opportunities for residents.”The full funding grant is the largest transit infrastructure award in CTA history and paves the way for the $1.9 billion federal share of the project. The remaining funds will come from local and state sources. With this final approval, the project is set to break ground by early 2026, with completion expected in 2030.

The Red Line Extension is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the surrounding communities. In total, the project will create approximately 12,500 construction jobs, with another 59,800 indirect jobs expected to be generated through the development of transit-oriented projects and improved access to the area. The extension is also expected to support an additional 25,000 jobs by improving access to transit for workers and businesses.

The CTA has worked closely with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) on a Transit-Supportive Development Plan, designed to guide future investment and ensure the benefits of the expansion are felt across South Side neighborhoods. The plan prioritizes sustainable development, community engagement, and economic inclusion.

“Residents on the Far South Side have long been excluded from the benefits of rapid transit,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “This project will correct decades of inequity, providing access to affordable, reliable transportation and spurring economic growth throughout the region.”

The $1.9 billion federal investment was made possible by strong advocacy from Chicago’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and Representatives Robin Kelly, Jonathan Jackson, and others. The federal commitment secures the full funding needed to complete the Red Line Extension and guarantees that the project will move forward as planned.

“This is a game-changer for the South Side,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “Thousands of residents who’ve been waiting for years will soon have access to rapid transit. This extension will create jobs, strengthen the economy, and improve the quality of life for so many.”

In August 2024, the CTA awarded the design and construction contract for the project to Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners, who will be responsible for building the extension and stations. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the new extension and stations slated to be operational by 2030.

The project also offers opportunities for workforce training, apprenticeships, and career development, particularly through partnerships with organizations like Chicago Women in Trades, HIRE 360, and Metropolitan Family Services. Additionally, small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)-certified businesses will have a chance to participate in the project through CTA’s Building Small Business program.

The Red Line Extension Project is more than just an infrastructure project – it is a step toward addressing long-standing transportation inequities while fostering growth and opportunity in Chicago’s South Side communities. With its combination of expanded transit access, economic development, and job creation, the RLE is poised to become a catalyst for positive change across the region.

For more information on the Red Line Extension Project, visit transitchicago.com/rle.

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