Fostering the growth of Chicago’s Far South Side.

Chicago Transit Authority Red Line Extension Project (RLE), the largest project in CTA history, will contribute to fostering the growth of Chicago’s Far South Side by serving as an economic catalyst for one of the most disinvested parts of Chicago. The RLE is a transit equity project that fulfills a commitment to Chicago’s Far South Side by significantly improving transportation to this part of the city with 5.6 miles of new track and four new fully accessible rail stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, near 116th, and 130th Street.

The transit improvements will add 5.6 miles of new track and four new fully accessible rail stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan near 116th and 130th Street. Each station will include bus, bike, pedestrian and parking facilities.

The project’s budget has increased to $5.3 billion, which includes financing expenses, to cover cost increases for construction materials, labor, and financing.

Project benefits for Chicago’s Far South Side communities

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

  • The RLE will save riders upto 30 minutes 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 (TSD) Plan in partnership with Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) 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.

Source:
Chicago Transit Authority