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7/5/2023
The Chicago Transit Authority announced last week work will start soon on a $3 billion project to rebuild the Forest Park Branch of the Blue Line.
The project calls for the replacement of nearly 3 miles of track and a station rebuild that will include better accessibility for riders using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, CTA officials said in a press release.
The first phase — estimated to cost $268 million — is scheduled to begin July 23 and wrap up by Oct. 7. During that time, crews will completely rebuild the 15,000 feet of track between LaSalle and Illinois Medical District stations, demolish and begin rebuilding Racine Station, and upgrade the traction power system for improved service reliability.
The branch was opened in 1958, but has not received enough improvements to extend the tracks’ useful life, CTA officials said. Nearly 80% of the branch is a slow zone, causing service delays, they added. Only four of 11 stations along the branch are fully accessible.
Racine Station is expected to reopen in late 2024.
The first phase of the project is funded by a mix of state and local dollars, including dollars from the Rebuild Illinois state capital program, tax increment financing and bonds. More funds are needed for later work, CTA officials said.