CTAs Red Line Gets $1 Billion Overhaul

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor Pat Quinn walk along the train platform at the 35th St. Red Line L stop on Nov. 3. The pair announced that $1 billion will be used to overhaul the CTA's Red and Purple Lines. (Photo Credit: Brooke Collins, City of Chicago)
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor Pat Quinn walk along the train platform at the 35th St. Red Line L stop on Nov. 3. The pair announced that $1 billion will be used to overhaul the CTA's Red and Purple Lines. (Photo Credit: Brooke Collins, City of Chicago)

The Chicago Transit Authoritys (CTA) busiest train line will soon be overhauled. During a press conference last week, Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced $1 billion in state, local and federal funds will be used to upgrade the CTAs Red Line.

The project will also enhance part of the Purple Line, which begins on the citys north side and terminates in north suburban Wilmette.

Red Line upgrades include replacing tracks between 18th and 95th streets and improvements to stations between Cermak and 95th streets.

In addition, ties will be replaced on Purple Line tracks between the Belmont and Linden stations, eliminating slow zones.

The initiative is expected to create over 2,700 jobs.

Gov. Quinn believes the renovation is a significant investment for not only CTA but also for residents.

Since I became Governor I have focused on creating jobs and improving transportation service for our citizens, Quinn said. This major investment in the CTAs Red Line does both. It will quickly put people to work now and improve the quality of life for Chicago residents for years to come by ensuring safe, reliable travel between their jobs, their homes and their families.

Mayor Emanuel says the renovation will not only modernize public transportation but will also add to the citys appeal.

Chicago is a city on the move, and we must be able to move our residents with the speed and comfort that mark modern transportation, said Emanuel. These investments will make our city a more enticing place to live, to start a business, to raise a family.

The Red Line extends 23 miles between the Howard and 95th Street stations and had 79 million riders last year.

This is an unprecedented investment in upgrading our system. It adds new momentum to our efforts to reform and renew the CTA with better facilities and enhanced service," said CTA President Forrest Claypool.

by Thelma Sardin

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