CTA to begin advance construction for Red Line Extension

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will begin the next step in the Red Line Extension project this summer when it starts advance construction activities.

The relocation of utility equipment and property demolition will begin to make way for the new 5.6-mile Red Line Extension from 95th Street Terminal to 130th Street, which will include four new Red Line stations.

The CTA plans to hold public meetings this month to discuss the work with local residents and businesses.

"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 Carter Jr. in a news release.

The project also includes a new rail yard and related rail facilities near 120th Street to improve operational efficiency for the entire Red Line and CTA system. The extension will provide up to 30 minutes of time savings to riders traveling from the future 130th Station to Chicago's Loop, CTA officials said.

Construction is expected to start in late 2025 and be completed by the end of 2029. The CTA anticipates awarding a design-build contract for the RLE later this year.