The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has begun the critical work necessary to prepare to break ground in early 2026 on the transformational Red Line extension (RLE) project on the Far South Side.
This year, advance construction work is performed including property demolition where the new Red Line track structure will be located is underway, relocation of utilities poles and equipment in the area of the future new track structure. In addition, Walsh Vinci is performing soil boring work to evaluate the soil’s composition, which is important to developing the designs for the foundations and related structures for the new Red Line extension track.
Major construction will start in 2026 and will continue until 2030. Walsh Vinci is currently designing the project and developing the construction schedule with major groundbreaking expected to begin in early 2026. The construction work will be divided into six geographic areas to allow crews to work in multiple locations on new track structures, stations and the track systems work, including signals and other operational equipment.
The construction of the elevated track structure from the 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line station to 119th Street will include manufacturing individual concrete bridge segments off-site and transporting them to the construction site, which reduces impact to the community. The bridge will be assembled with the use of a large construction gantry system.
At the same time, CTA has launched a wide-ranging effort to have as many people and small businesses as possible participate in the Red Line extension (RLE) project. The project is expected to bring more than 25,000 jobs to Cook County in future years and create opportunities for workforce training.
The USD 5.7 billion Red Line extension (RLE) project will extend the CTA’s Red Line by 8.8 km (5.5 miles) from 95th Street to 130th Street, including building four new stations. At each of the new stations, passengers will benefit from connections with the bus network, and facilities for bikes and parking, as well as pedestrian infrastructure. In addition, the project includes the construction of a new rail yard and related rail facilities to improve operational efficiency for the entire Red Line and CTA system.
The RLE will improve access to rapid rail transit and provide faster, more convenient service to residents. Extending service will also improve access to jobs, educational and health care institutions and promote economic development.
The Red Line extension will provide a new, more direct connection to the Red Line – this means an easier trip and less time commuting. Once the extension opens, it is expected to provide up to 30 minutes time savings to riders traveling from the future 130th Station.
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