Chicago and federal officials recently finalized a $1.9 billion funding agreement allowing the Chicago Transit Authority to advance a Red Line extension project.
The CTA and the Federal Transit Administration signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement, guaranteeing the project will receive the federal government’s pledged funding. With this agreement, the Red Line extension will advance toward its expected groundbreaking by early 2026.
The project will extend the CTA’s Red Line, the busiest of its eight rail lines, from 95th Street to 130th Street by 5.5 miles, including building four new Red Line stations.
The federal grant is the largest transit infrastructure grant awarded to CTA in its history. It is the final step in securing funding for the $5.7 billion Red Line extension project.
The Red Line extension should improve access to rapid rail transit and provide residents faster, more convenient service. Extending service should also improve access to jobs, educational and health care institutions, and promote economic development.
