This summer could make for a rough ride along the CTA's Red Line. The announcement comes just days after Chicago City Council passed Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan for a private-public trust to pay for big infrastructure projects.
The $86 million project will involve seven stations: Jarvis, Morse, Granville, Thorndale, Berwyn, Argyle, and Lawrence. The funding comes from a mix of federal and local resources, and will generate approximately 250 full-time equivalent jobs, the mayor's office says. It includes replacing platforms, lighting improvements and other enhancements.
In addition to the seven-station improvement project, the $1 billion Red Line investment will include a number of other projects on the Howard branch of the Red Line, including a complete reconstruction of the Wilson station estimated at $200 million; major station rehabs at the Sheridan, Bryn Mawr and Loyola stations; Red and Purple Line viaduct improvements and electrical substation improvements.
It was a powerhouse lineup of politicians at the Morse Red Line stop in Rogers Park. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was there with Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.
"It has ripple economic improvements around the neighborhood for both the commuters and the businesses relying on the transportation to move services and commuters quicker," said Emanuel.
"We understand right now people are dealing with high gas prices. We want to reduce our reliance on petroleum. And one of the best ways to do it is to take a train," said Quinn.
"I am happy to tell you $80 million of the $86 million for the improvement comes from the federal government. It started with the taxpayers here in Illinois, but it comes from the federal government," said Durbin.
The work will begin in May. Some of the stations will be closed for all this work, but no longer than six weeks at a time.
A $7.2 billion infrastructure plan to rebuild schools, subways and sewers without tax increases was passed earlier this week.
