Capital programming is a core function of the RTA. RTA and the Service Boards have worked to articulate as well as advance a capital strategy for transit projects in the Chicagoland region.
Priority Projects have been identified by the Service Boards. These priority projects are updated on an annual basis. This page shows details about the funding for each priority project.
The 2024-2028 5-Year Regional Capital Program includes over 250 projects that are advancing many of these Priority Projects. The capital projects are shown in the table below, organized by Priority Project and can also be seen in a mapped form on the RTA Capital Projects Dashboard. Each project listing shows the amount of funding programmed in the 2024-2028 Regional Capital Program. Beginning with the 2024-2028 Capital Program, projects are evaluated based on 15 measures which were identified in the new Regional Transit Strategic Plan, Transit is the Answer. All projects in the 2024-2028 program show the detailed evaluations in this site.
The metrics include evaluations of Equity and Accessibility which are used in the performance-based allocation process. The region has committed to dedicating 20% of programmed funds to projects that fulfill the regional goals of improving equity and accessibility for 2025 and beyond as a part of the new performance-based capital allocation process
The Service Boards have met and exceeded the 20% goal for the 2025-2028 budget years.
Project Management Oversite (PMO) data is provided for projects that are being actively monitored by the PMO group. Data included current activities, start and end date and budget and schedule status. The following page has a full list of active PMO projects.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$2,125,768
$0
$0
$2,125,768
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$10,293,685
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Permits for the project were received in the last reporting period. Currently, the General Contractor is submitting process plans for start of construction and mobilization on site. Delivery of onsite storage containers is ongoing. CTA is working with the contractor to start the first phase of the project, which is the electrical shop equipment relocation.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
CTA
Blue Line Forest Park Modernization - Phase 3
Rail
$0
$0
$598,030,000
$598,030,000
Track improvement and special work placement, interlocking relocation and station renovations
+
CTA
Blue Line Forest Park Modernization - Phase 4
Rail
$0
$0
$597,030,000
$597,030,000
Des Plaines Yard and Forest Park terminal reconstruction
+
CTA
Radio System Upgrade
Rail
$0
$0
$64,500,000
$64,500,000
Replacement of obsolete radio system
+
CTA
BRT/Bus Slow Zone Removal/ TSP/Dedicated Lane projects
Bus
$0
$0
$231,240,000
$231,240,000
Targeted street and traffic signal improvements to increase bus speeds
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Bus Slow Zones Elimination Program
Electrical, Signal & Communications
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
This is a joint partnership with CDOT where CTA and CDOT will implement a coordinated program of bus priority treatments and targeted solutions for specific problem areas, in order to improve speed and reliability on major bus corridors. Project funds will cover final design and construction for all six routes.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$15,200,000
$0
$0
$15,200,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Bus Priority Corridor Study
Electrical, Signal & Communications
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is pursuing the Bus Priority Corridor Study to advance planning for key bus corridors in the City of Chicago to identify concepts to dramatically improve bus service. The project will advance equity and mobility justice by enabling higher quality transit services to communities that have the greatest needs, mitigate congestion, improve air quality, and promote economic development and access to opportunity.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$575,000
$0
$0
$575,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
CTA
Tactical Traction Power Improvements (Systemwide)
Rail
$0
$0
$155,739,098
$155,739,098
Traction power substation, third rail replacement and SCADA upgrades
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Systemwide Tactical Traction Power Upgrades (Equipment/Cable/Enclosures)
Electrical, Signal & Communications
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Tactical Traction Power (Equipment/Cable/Enclosures) -The purpose of this project is to implement traction power system improvements that will enable the CTA to continue to meet existing traction power needs, increase traction power capacity to meet future demand, and address state of good repair by repairing or replacing worn or obsolete equipment.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$10,864,902
$0
$0
$10,864,902
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$15,166,629
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The contractor made significant headway during this reporting period and was able to reach substantial completion in July of this year. The contractor was able to finish the final walkthrough inspection and completed all punchlist items and is in contract closeout. This will be the final update on this project.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
CTA
Signal Replacement (Systemwide)
Rail
$0
$0
$619,339,000
$619,339,000
Replace Signal System for Ravenswood (Brown), Evanston (Purple), Skokie (Yellow), and Lake (Green) branches.
+
CTA
Rail Yard Improvements
Rail
$0
$0
$259,324,412
$259,324,412
Improvements to CTA Rail Yards
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Rail Facilities (Yards)
Support Facilities & Equipment
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Funding will provide for the upgrades to be made to the rail yard system infrastructure including track and associated components, fire suppression, and lighting. Other facility deficiencies will be address including but not limited to: boilers, trash collection systems, roofs, windows, pavement replacement, rail hoist replacement, inspection pit rehabilitation, roof replacements, and heating and ventilation air conditioning systems. Overall this project will allow CTA to address multiple state of good repair needs at rail yard facilities.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$7,900,000
$0
$0
$7,900,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Rail Facilities - Des Plaines Yard
Support Facilities & Equipment
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
The Rail Facilities State of Good Repair Program focuses on critical improvements at CTA rail yards, which include improvements to the yard infrastructure itself (ties, rail, fasteners, ballast, contact rail etc.) as well as the yard fire suppression systems and lighting. The Des Plaines Yard project will include the reconstruction and reconfiguration of the inner and outer lead tracks, including associated special trackwork. Replacement and reconfiguration of the special trackwork in the east yard storage, including the road crossings to the yard shops will also be completed.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$0
$0
$0
$0
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$22,858,137
On Budget
Behind Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The design for this project has been completed in December 2022. CTA developed a procurement package for construction and it is currently out for bid.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Facilities Critical Needs ? Harlem Yard Water Tower Demolition
Support Facilities & Equipment
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Demolotion of the Harlem Water Tower at the Harlem Yard.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$2,869,867
$0
$0
$2,869,867
Last Updated 03.15.2023
+
CTA
Critical Needs at CTA Facilities
System
$0
$10,000,000
$118,533,935
$108,533,935
Roof and other upgrades to maintenance facilities
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Facilities Critical Needs - Forest Glen Building Demolition
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
The purpose of this project is to eliminate building maintenance costs and security liabilities to CTA associated with the vacant buildings at the Forest Glen Bus Garage (located at 5353 W. Armstrong Avenue and 5601 N. Elston Avenue), as well as to provide additional capacity for bus parking at the Forest Glen Bus Garage. The project scope includes demolition of the buildings at 5353 W. Armstrong Avenue, 5601 N. Elston Avenue, and the existing salt shed (all currently owned by the CTA).
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$0
$0
$0
$0
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$7,366,852
On Budget
Behind Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Both of the vacant buildings have been demolished and the debris has been removed from the site. Fencing has been installed around the vacant lot. This project was significantly delayed due to the extensive environmental abatement process that was not initially anticipated. Final invoicing related to this process is outstanding. This is the final report on this project.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Facilities Critical Needs - Kedzie Bus Garage Façade
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
The project will retain a DoR firm to complete a comprehensive assessment of the structure’s exterior envelope to develop remediation and/or replacement plans for concerns regarding the exterior brick veneer delaminating from the backing block. The work will include detailing for caulking, flashing, or other treatments to prevent future similar issues from occurring due to water infiltration. Construction will repair portions of the brick that have fallen from the structure and other repairs to prevent recurrence of the failure.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$1,875,813
$0
$0
$1,875,813
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$6,596,514
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The design for the project has been completed. Notice to Proceed for construction was issued in February 2023. The general contractor is working on submittals and mobilizing for field work.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Facilities Critical Needs
Support Facilities & Equipment
System
$0
$10,000,000
Project Details
Description
Address the most immediate critical needs at CTA facilities systemwide to enable their safe and reliable operation.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$10,000,000
$10,000,000
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$10,578,000
$0
$10,000,000
$20,578,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
CTA
New Control and Training Center
System
$0
$0
$0
$0
Construct new CTA complex (campus) to include a Control Center and Training Facility. The facility will be equipped with modern state of the art technology, heighten security criteria and redundant power sources. The Control Center portion of campus will include an auditorium, situation room, network operations center, and communication and training rooms. While, the new training facility portion of the campus will contain offices, classrooms, and conference rooms for CTA employee training. The training facility will contain both bus and railcar inspection pits including embedded rail track and testing track for rail operations.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
New Control & Training Center
Support Facilities & Equipment
System
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
CTA complex (campus) to include a Control Center and Training Facility. The facility will be equipped with modern state of the art technology, heighten security criteria and redundant power sources. The Control Center portion of campus will include an auditorium, situation room, network operations center, and communication and training rooms. While, the new training facility portion of the campus will contain offices, classrooms, and conference rooms for CTA employee training. The training facility will contain both bus and railcar inspection pits including embedded rail track and testing track for rail operations. This project consolidates training functions across the agency within a centralized facility. Currently training is dispersed throughout the CTA system at various garages, yards, and offices due to space limitations. Thousands of CTA operating and maintenance employees use these facilities for employee training, instruction programs, and employee engagement. The primary rail and maintenance training is performed at a leased space and lacks all components necessary for proper training.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$317,270,670
$0
$0
$317,270,670
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$239,988,009
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The 30% Schematic Design submittal was submitted on 01/24/2024. The 60% Detailed Design submittal was submitted on 03/4/24. CTA is working with the contractor for items related to that design submittal. The 100% advance work package for earthwork was submitted to DoR on 3/8/24 and continues to have the contractor working on it to address comments.
The 90% design submittal is expected to be submitted to CTA in mid-May and the 100% design submittal is expected to be submitted in September 2024.
