FTA issues $2B grant agreement for Chicago Red Line extension

The U.S. Department of Transportation last week announced a full funding grant agreement with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) for $1.97 billion to support the Red Line Extension project.

Issued through the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants program, the grant will cover 34.3% of the project’s cost. The 5.5-mile extension project will connect the Chicago's far South Side to the L system. The Red Line extension project has been in the works for several years, USDOT officials said in a press release. It is the single largest transit project in the CTA's history.

“After decades of promises, a profound change for the lives of Chicagoans is finally here,” said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “Beyond providing the far South Side access to new destinations, this expansion will drive significant economic growth and development, creating opportunities as well as fostering a vibrant local economy for Chicagoans well into the future.”

The Red Line will be extended from its current terminus at the 95th/Dan Ryan station to 130th Street and four new stations will be added along the line.