For decades, residents of Chicago’s Far South Side have looked at the “L” map with a sense of incompletion. The Red Line, the backbone of the city’s transit system, has long terminated at 95th Street, leaving thousands of commuters in neighborhoods like Roseland, Altgeld Gardens, and West Pullman to rely on multiple bus transfers to reach the city center. However, as of February 2026, that historical divide is finally being bridged. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has officially entered the final engineering phase of the $3.6 billion Red Line Extension (RLE) project, signaling that the most significant transit investment in the city’s modern history is now a certainty.
A 50-Year Promise Kept
The proposal to extend the Red Line is not a new idea; in fact, it was first promised by Mayor Richard J. Daley over half a century ago. For generations, the lack of rail access has been a symbol of disinvestment on the South Side. Moving into the final engineering phase is the last technical hurdle before heavy construction begins later this year. This phase involves finalizing the blueprints for 5.6 miles of new elevated tracks and four new, fully accessible stations located at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue, and 130th Street.
“The Far South Side has been promised for 50 years that the Red Line would be extended to the city’s southern border,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. during a recent project update. “Today, we can say that promise is significantly closer to being met. We are no longer just talking about a plan; we are finishing the designs that will change the face of this city.”
Economic Equity: More Than Just a Train Line
While the project is a massive engineering feat, its true value lies in its potential to act as a catalyst for economic recovery. The RLE is expected to create over 6,000 direct construction jobs, providing a massive boost to the local labor market. Furthermore, the CTA has made a landmark commitment to diversity, setting a 30% participation goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs).
This means that small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses will not just be spectators of the project—they will be the ones building it. To date, over 120 unique DBE firms have already been awarded contracts for design and preparatory work. By ensuring that local contractors and workers are prioritized, the city aims to keep the $3.6 billion investment within the communities that have waited the longest for it.
9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale, a long-time advocate for the extension, emphasized the stakes for his constituents. “This isn’t just a train line; it’s an artery for economic equity that our community has waited 50 years for,” Beale stated. “It’s about making sure a kid in Altgeld Gardens has the same access to a job downtown or an internship in the North Side as anyone else in Chicago.”
Impact on the Commute
Currently, residents on the Far South Side face some of the longest commute times in the United States. Many spend over 60 minutes traveling one way to reach their workplaces. The extension is projected to save commuters up to 30 minutes per trip, effectively giving workers hours of their lives back every week.
Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the social importance of this time-saving. “Reversing decades of disinvestment starts with providing accessible transportation for all residents of this city,” Johnson said. “We are creating a more connected and accessible Chicago where your zip code does not determine your level of opportunity.”
The Road Ahead
With the final engineering phase underway, the CTA is simultaneously managing “advance construction” tasks, such as utility relocation and property acquisition. Groundbreaking for the mainline tracks is expected by the end of 2026, with a target completion date of 2030.
The project also includes a new rail yard and maintenance facility near 120th Street, which will improve the operational efficiency of the entire Red Line. This is a critical technical component, as the Red Line is the busiest in the system, and the new yard will allow for more frequent service and better car maintenance.
A Vision for 2030
As the engineering teams finalize the designs for the four new stations, the city is also looking at Transit-Supportive Development (TSD). This plan aims to encourage new housing, retail, and grocery stores to open near the new station hubs. The goal is to transform these transit stops into vibrant community centers that serve as more than just a place to catch a train.
The Red Line Extension represents a turning point for Chicago. It is an admission that for too long, a significant portion of the city was left off the map. As the engineering drawings are completed and the first shovels hit the ground later this year, the “artery for economic equity” will finally start to pulse, connecting the Far South Side to the heartbeat of the city.
