News broke late January of the “preferred alignment” for the Red Line Extension project. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) proposed a 5.3-mile extension to reach 130th Street in Riverdale, according to a press release from the City of Chicago.

The transit improvement and extension project starts with the massive renovations of the 95th Street terminal in Roseland, which was envisioned by community activist Theaster Gates. The route would run partially along the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad line, continue south to intersect the Metra Electric tracks near 119th Street, and end at 130th Street. 

Rendering courtesy of City of Chicago

Four new stations will be built, including one near 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue, and 130th Street. The alignment was carefully considered based on the east and west options along existing freight railroad tracks to minimize the impact on nearby homes and businesses. The CTA also considered the number of parcels that had to be purchased. Previous iterations of the route required the transit authority to purchase as many as 259 parcels, but the new plan requires just 154.

“We are happy to introduce our preferred alignment for the Red Line Extension, a transformational project that will expand rail service to Chicago’s southernmost communities and create better access to jobs, education, and opportunities,” CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. said in the statement. “We made this selection based on feedback from the community and look forward to moving forward on this project.” 

According to the CTA, the project could deliver 6,200 jobs. Each station would also have parking facilities and busses. It’s estimated that the project will cost $2.3 billion and funding has not yet been determined. The CTA is seeking both local and federal governmental resources, as well as potential creation of a transit-specific Tax Increment Financing district.

Members of the community, including Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) are not holding their breath over the announcement. The Chicago Tribune reported on the proposal for a project that Beale remembers being promised by Mayor Richard J. Daley more than 40 years ago. He told the publication that he’ll get excited “when he sees shovels in the ground.” 

Rendering courtesy of City of Chicago

Officials remain positive, and if all goes as planned and the city can secure funding, construction could begin in 2022, and the project would take about four years to complete. The Red Line extension is a major part of Mayor Emanuel’s “Red Ahead” initiative. Completed in 2013, the $425 million Red Line South Reconstruction was the first major investment in the city’s most utilized rail line.

The renovation and reconstruction of the 95th Street Terminal, a $280 million project, is also a key player in the “Red Ahead” program. Funded by local, state, and federal money, the revitalization is expected to be fully complete by the end of this year.

The CTA will hold an open housing February 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy gymnasium to meet with residents and discuss the alignment.