CTA celebrates Red Line Extension groundbreaking

Mayor Brandon Johnson recently joined Sen. Dick Durbin, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Acting President Nora Leerhsen and other dignitaries to break ground on the Red Line Extension (RLE) project. 

“Today’s groundbreaking demonstrates our shared commitment to transit equity and opportunity for every Chicagoan,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Far South Side residents have waited decades for this crucial rail service to come to life. My administration never wavered in our determination to finally secure this project and will continue to direct investments in housing and neighborhood development to support transit-oriented revitalization of the surrounding communities.” 

The Red Line Extension Project will extend the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street. Four new accessible stations will be constructed near 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue (near 116th), and 130th Street, each of which would include bus, bike, pedestrian and parking facilities. A new rail yard and related rail facilities will also be built near 120th Street to improve operational efficiency for the entire Red Line and CTA system. 

The Red Line Extension Project will provide a new, more direct connection to the Red Line, which is expected to provide up to an hour of time savings roundtrip to riders traveling between the future 130th station and the Loop. Stations will offer plaza areas that will include seating and other amenities to create welcoming spaces for residents. All stations will receive commissioned, one-of-a-kind artwork that will be developed with feedback from people in the neighborhood areas around the stations. 

Advance construction work by joint venture general contractor Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners has been underway to prepare the project for construction, including demolition of properties acquired to build the project and relocation of utility poles and other equipment where the new track will be built. 

With construction beginning in spring 2026, upcoming work will include drilling and concrete foundations for the new elevated track columns and structure. Station construction will begin in 2027 with completion planned for 2030.