Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Chicago Transit Authority on April 24 joined city, state and federal officials to break ground on the Red Line Extension project, a multibillion-dollar expansion officials are calling the largest capital construction project in CTA history.
The project will extend the Red Line 5.5 miles south from the existing 95th Street terminal to near 130th Street, bringing heavy rail service to Chicago’s Far South Side for the first time. It includes four new fully accessible stations at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue near 116th Street and 130th Street, along with bus, bicycle, pedestrian and parking connections. A new rail yard and related facilities near 120th Street are also planned to improve system-wide operations.
Advance construction work has already been underway along the corridor, including demolition of acquired properties and relocation of utility poles and other infrastructure to clear the way for future track construction.
Full construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026. That phase will include drilling for elevated track columns, pouring concrete foundations and installing structural supports. Station construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the extension anticipated to be completed and placed into service in 2030.
“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 vital rail service to come to life.”
CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said the project fulfills long-standing commitments to South Side communities.
“This historic CTA project finally delivers on the transit promises made to the residents of Roseland, Pullman, Washington Heights and surrounding neighborhoods decades ago,” Leerhsen said.
The project is being delivered through a design-build partnership with Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners. Officials said the construction effort includes workforce development and equity requirements aimed at expanding job access for Chicago residents.
CTA has partnered with Chicago Women in Trades, HIRE 360 and Metropolitan Family Services to help prepare residents for careers connected to the project.
Under the contract, workforce participation goals for Walsh-VINCI include 10% of design phase hours from the service area’s economically disadvantaged areas, 10% of total trade labor hours meeting a career opportunity goal during construction, 35% of trade labor hours sourced from economically disadvantaged areas, and 15% union apprentice participation to build long-term workforce pipelines.
The CTA has also set participation targets for disadvantaged business enterprises, including 25% for design work and 22% for construction contracts.
“We are committed to delivering a safe, reliable, high-quality project that will strengthen this vital transit link and serve Chicago residents for generations,” said Dan Walsh Jr., president of Walsh Construction’s transportation division.
Once complete, the Red Line Extension will expand rapid transit access deep into Chicago’s Far South Side, adding new stations, multimodal connections and a rail yard intended to improve overall system reliability.
