CTA Launches Unprecedented 5.5-Mile Red Line Extension to the Far South Side

Chicago Red Line Extension work began last week. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the project’s groundbreaking, alongside US Senator Dick Durbin. Chicago Transit Authority Acting President Nora Leerhsen and other dignitaries also joined the event. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The project is widely regarded as the largest capital construction project in CTA history. It is also widely regarded as the most transformative such project in CTA history. It will extend the Red Line 5.5 miles south from 95th Street to 130th Street. The scheme includes four new stations. They will be built at 103rd, 111th, Michigan and 130th streets.

As Railway Supply reported, the extension is set to bring rapid rail service to Chicago’s Far South Side for the first time. Also, it will include a new rail yard and related rail facilities near 120th Street. They are intended to improve operational efficiency across the Red Line and CTA system. Together, the route extension, stations and rail facilities define the main scope of the project.

US Senator Dick Durbin said:

The Red Line Extension project ensures more reliable, accessible public transit for Chicagoans while bolstering our economy.

My Chicago-area delegation colleagues and I have long-advocated for federal support for this project and I am thrilled to celebrate today’s groundbreaking.

Chicago Red Line Extension route and stations

When the extension opens, riders are expected to save time. This covers trips between the future 130th Street station and the Loop. For example, round-trip savings are expected to reach up to an hour. It is also expected to provide a new, more direct link to the Red Line.

Each new station is planned with plaza space, seating and other passenger amenities. Separately, station buildings are set to feature commissioned, one-of-a-kind artwork. Feedback will come from people in the neighbourhood areas around the stations.

Construction schedule and expected job access

According to Railway-News, the works are expected to generate more than 12,500 construction jobs. They are also expected to generate an estimated 59,800 indirect jobs. An estimated 25,000 additional jobs are also expected to become available to the public. Those jobs would be within a commute of one hour or less.

Meanwhile, advanced construction work is already underway. Upcoming activity is expected to include drilling at the locations of future elevated track columns. Concrete pouring for new track foundations will follow. Construction of the columns will then take place.

Station construction is scheduled to begin in 2027. The extension and its new stations are expected to be completed by 2030. They are also expected to enter service by then.

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