In a significant milestone for Chicago’s transportation network, the federal government has committed nearly $2 billion to extend the Red Line to the Far South Side, marking the largest single investment in the history of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The funding agreement, finalized on Friday, is expected to bring transformative benefits to the city and its residents.
The project, which has been decades in the making, will extend the Red Line 5.6 miles beyond its current terminus at 95th Street to 130th Street. The extension includes four new stations: 103rd Street and 111th Street near Eggleston Avenue, Michigan Avenue near 116th Street, and 130th Street near the Bishop Ford Freeway, just north of Altgeld Gardens. A state-of-the-art rail yard and supporting facilities will also be constructed near 120th Street.
Alderman Anthony Beale (9th), whose ward covers much of the extension route, expressed his excitement for the long-awaited project. “There’s no greater feeling than to see this day come for the Red Line Extension to go to 130th,” Beale said.
The extension is expected to cut commute times between the Far South Side and downtown by up to 30 minutes. By eliminating the need to transfer from buses to trains, the project will provide a more seamless and efficient travel experience for residents.
“This connection means that Far South Side residents have more job opportunities, more educational opportunities, and more access to services,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “It’s about equity and making Chicago a city where everyone can thrive.”
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has committed $1.97 billion to the $5.7 billion project. This agreement is a culmination of years of advocacy and planning, ensuring the project’s future under the Biden administration. With the agreement finalized just weeks before a new presidential administration takes office, officials were keen to secure the funding amid uncertainties about federal priorities.
“You never know about change. That’s why we’re here today,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), emphasizing the importance of locking in the commitment.
CTA President Dorval Carter expressed confidence in the stability of the agreement. “Historically, there’s never been a situation where a fully funded grant agreement has been reneged on by the federal government. This funding is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States,” Carter said.
In addition to federal funding, the Chicago City Council approved a tax increment financing (TIF) district in 2022 to provide $959 million for the project. The CTA will also issue $2.25 billion in bonds, with the remainder of the funding coming from other state and federal sources.
The economic impact of the Red Line extension is expected to be substantial. Officials estimate the creation of over 12,000 construction jobs during the project’s development and an additional 25,000 jobs throughout Cook County upon completion. “We will also be hiring and nurturing the careers of residents in the very communities that the Red Line Extension will serve,” said Mayor Johnson.
Preliminary demolition work along the designated route has already begun, with full-scale construction set to commence by the end of this year. The project is expected to take five years to complete, with an anticipated completion date in 2029.
CTA President Carter called the project “one of the boldest equity investments in the history of this great city.” He emphasized that the extension will bring long-term benefits to the Far South Side, addressing decades of disinvestment and providing critical infrastructure for future growth.
For residents of the Far South Side, the Red Line extension represents a long-overdue promise fulfilled. Proposed as far back as 1969 by Mayor Richard J. Daley, the project had faced repeated delays and funding shortfalls. Now, with federal and local support firmly in place, the vision is finally becoming a reality.
“This is about the future of the Far South Side,” Carter said. “It’s about ensuring that every Chicagoan has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
The Red Line extension is not only a transportation project but also a symbol of Chicago’s commitment to equity and connectivity. For the city’s residents, this transformative investment signals a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
