A rendering of the 103rd St. Station.
The long-awaited Red Line Extension project for Chicago’s South Side is finally moving forward. On Friday, local and federal officials finalized a $1.9 billion funding agreement to expand the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) busiest train line. This historic investment will extend the Red Line 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, adding four new stations and promising faster, more reliable transit for thousands of residents.
“The Red Line Extension Project is transformational for our city, especially for the South Side,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This project demonstrates the power of investing in people, and I am thrilled that we are taking a significant step forward in actualizing equitable transportation options for our city. I am grateful to the many partners from all levels of government who championed this effort and made this historic moment possible – together, we are working to achieve economic vibrancy and stability for all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status.”
The agreement, called a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA), guarantees federal funding for the $5.7 billion project, the largest transit grant in CTA history. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with service launching by 2030.
A Boost for the South Side
The Red Line Extension will add new stations at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue near 116th Street, and 130th Street. These stations will feature accessible facilities for buses, bikes, pedestrians, and parking.
Once completed, the extension will connect far South Side neighborhoods to downtown Chicago, reducing commutes by up to 30 minutes. Officials say the project is about more than just transit—it’s about justice and economic opportunity for communities that have been underserved for decades.
“After decades of promises, a profound change for the lives of Chicagoans is finally here,” said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “Beyond providing the Far South Side access to new destinations, this expansion will drive significant economic growth and development, creating opportunities as well as fostering a vibrant local economy for Chicagoans well into the future.”
“Today, I was thrilled to celebrate the finalized $1.9 billion funding agreement that allows the City of Chicago to move forward with the Red Line Extension Project,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. “Thousands of residents on the South Side of Chicago have been waiting for this project to become a reality. This extension will improve transit access for Chicagoans while creating thousands of jobs and bolstering our economy. I’m heartened to see this firm commitment, with significant buy-in from the federal government, which my Chicago-area delegation colleagues and I have long-advocated for.”
Creating Jobs and Spurring Development
The project is expected to generate over 12,500 construction jobs and nearly 60,000 indirect jobs. It will also support workforce training programs through partnerships with organizations like Chicago Women in Trades and HIRE 360. Additionally, small businesses certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) will play a key role in the project.
Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the economic benefits: “We’re bringing faster, more reliable transit to underserved communities, connecting working families to jobs, schools, and healthcare, and spurring economic growth that will benefit generations to come.”
A Community Vision
The Red Line Extension includes a Transit-Supportive Development Plan designed to guide growth in long-neglected neighborhoods along the new route. Developed with input from local residents and businesses, the plan aims to ensure these communities thrive.
“The Red Line Extension project will undo nearly 60 years of racial inequity in transit,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “Residents of the Far South Side of Chicago deserve the same access to rapid CTA transit and the numerous quality of life benefits that come with it. I am proud to deliver on the promise I made to the community years ago and deliver access to affordable transportation in the city.”
With federal funding secured, Chicago’s leaders are optimistic about the future. As Representative Robin Kelly put it, “Today is a monumental step forward for all South Siders. We have been waiting nearly 60 years for the Red Line to extend past 95th Street, and we officially have the federal funds to begin construction.”
Preliminary project renderings can be found here. For more information about the Red Line Extension Project, visit transitchicago.com/rle.
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