Red Line Extension zoning changes receive City Council approval

The Chicago City Council has approved a package of zoning changes to allow for the construction of the Red Line Extension. The RLE is a transit equity project that fulfills a commitment to the Far South Side by significantly improving transportation to this part of the city with 5.6 miles of new track and four new fully accessible rail stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan near 116th and 130th Street.

With the construction contract awarded to Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners, the project’s budget has increased to $5.3 billion, which includes financing expenses, to cover cost increases for construction materials, labor and financing. The prior project budget was $3.6 billion before finance charges and $4.1 billion including financing costs. 

The contracting team will be responsible for building the Mainline project, which includes the extension of the Red Line 5.6 miles from the 95th Street to south of 130th Street as well as building the four new, accessible stations near 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue and 130th Street, each expected to include bus, bike, pedestrian and parking facilities.

The zoning approval will allow for the parcels to be rezoned to a T, Transportation district, clearing the way for construction to move forward. 67 of the parcels have buildings that will be demolished and all affected residents have been moved into new housing while commercial and industrial properties are almost all relocated. Some properties along the path are owned by local railroads and the CTA is pursuing some final approvals regarding those properties.

Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners includes Walsh Construction, VINCI Construction, EXP, Systra, and other subcontractors. The CTA and the contractor are beginning advance construction work this fall, including demolition of properties acquired for the project and advance utility relocation, which includes removing wires and poles and relocating utility equipment. New construction is expected to start in late 2025 and will be completed by 2030.