CTA Red Line Extension Project Receives Prestigious “Strategic Plan Award” from the American Planning Association—IL Chapter for its Visionary “Transit-Supportive Development Plan” to Revitalize Disin

RLE APA Award Acceptance. Photo provided by CTA Media
RLE APA Award Acceptance. Photo provided by CTA Media

 

CTA Red Line Extension Project Receives Prestigious “Strategic Plan Award” from the American Planning Association—IL Chapter for its Visionary “Transit-Supportive Development Plan” to Revitalize Disinvested Areas on Chicago’s Far South Side 


The CTA’s Red Line Extension (RLE) Project “Transit-Supportive Development Plan” has won the 2023 Strategic Plan Award the American Planning Association – Illinois Chapter (APA-IL). This notable award recognizes the CTA’s vision and plan for transformational community impact related to the $3.6 billion RLE project, which will build a 5.6-mile Red Line extension to 130th Street from 95th Street.

Led by the CTA in partnership with Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and community stakeholders within the Red Line Extension Project footprint, the Transit-Supportive Development Plan for the RLE Project footprint is a guide for the future development of the long-disinvested communities on the Far South Side. The Plan is reflective of the vision of those who currently reside and do business in these communities, and was adopted by the Chicago Plan Commission in May 2023. The report can be downloaded here at: Red_Line_Extension_Transit_Supportive_Development_Plan-_FINAL_WEB_VERSION_5-18-23-compressed.pdf (transitchicago.com) .

The Red Line is CTA’s most traveled rail line, offering 24-hour train service between Howard on the North Side and 95th/Dan Ryan on the South Side via subway through downtown Chicago. The transformational RLE project will extend the Red Line 5.6 miles to 130th Street from 95th Street, adding four new, fully accessible rail stations near 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue, and 130th Street.

“Equity and inclusion are at the heart of the CTA’s Red Line Extension Project,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “Extending the Red Line to the Far South Side will create access to transit and renewed investment in communities that have been neglected for too long. I thank the American Planning Association-Illinois Chapter for recognizing our commitment to being a catalyst for positive change on the Far South Side of Chicago.”

Once completed, the extension will provide long-awaited and much needed connection to jobs, education, and commerce, while also serving as a catalyst for economic development.

The TSD Plan provides the City of Chicago with a comprehensive guide for future development in communities located near the RLE area, including prioritizing equity through opportunities for economic development, quality of life, and community around four new stations. The RLE TSD Plan provides a broad set of recommendations, focused on addressing the following four goals:
  • Increase residential development, variety and affordability;
  • Strengthen commercial, retail, and mixed-use development;
  • Enhance public space and greater transportation access; and
  • Encourage economic development, business and employment generators.

Prepared with substantial community and stakeholder engagement, a consistent focus of the RLE TSD Plan is the importance of balanced and equitable development occurring to benefit the existing residential and business community, in addition to attracting new business and facilitating population growth.

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