Chicago City Wire

In Chicago, a significant milestone has been reached with the finalization of a $1.9 billion funding agreement for the Red Line Extension Project. Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside Federal Transit Administration (FTA) officials and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Dorval R. Carter, signed the agreement in a ceremony attended by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and other elected representatives.

Mayor Johnson emphasized the project's impact on equitable transportation options, particularly for the South Side. "The Red Line Extension Project is transformational for our city, especially for the South Side," he stated. The project aims to extend the CTA's busiest rail line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, adding four new stations.

FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool highlighted the project's potential to stimulate economic growth and development on Chicago's Far South Side. "After decades of promises, a profound change for the lives of Chicagoans is finally here," she said.

The federal grant marks the largest transit infrastructure grant awarded to CTA and completes funding requirements for the $5.7 billion project. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin expressed enthusiasm about moving forward with this initiative: "Thousands of residents on the South Side of Chicago have been waiting for this project to become a reality."

CTA President Dorval R. Carter underscored how this extension will address longstanding racial inequities in transit access: "Residents of the Far South Side of Chicago deserve the same access to rapid CTA transit."

The project has garnered support from several members of Congress who have advocated for federal investment in its development.

Key features include building new stations with accessible facilities and creating jobs through construction and operational improvements. The extension is expected to reduce commuting times significantly once completed in 2030.

For more information about this transformative endeavor, visit transitchicago.com/rle.