Regional Capital Program

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.

Detailed analysis of the capital evaluation metrics is included in the Regional Transit Operating Budget and Capital Program

Read more about RTA’s capital programming activities here.

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.

Agency Priority Project Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding 10 Year Funding Needed 10 Year Unfunded Need
+ Pace Administration - Pace Bus $0 $0 $0 $0

Provide for program administration

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ 2020 - Professional Project Management and Oversight Consulting Services Contingencies and Administration Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Project Management for Priority Capital Projects - Consulting services to assist Pace in the successful delivery of priority capital projects funded by Rebuild Illinois.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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
$425,000
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
A contract was executed with STV Construction Inc. for project management consulting services. Task 1 involved a systems review of Pace's capital projects completion process and recommendations of industry best practices. The consultant completed the task order for this funding. This will be the final update of this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ 2021/2022 - Professional Project Management and Oversight Consulting Services Contingencies and Administration Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Project Management for Priority Capital Projects - Consulting services to assist Pace in the successful delivery of priority capital projects funded by Rebuild Illinois.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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
$1,000,000
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The contractor, STV, completed all the work under contract for PMO services Task Order #5, which included e-Builder administration, augmentation of Pace staff, and other consulting services. Final invoices remain and this will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Pace Associated Capital Maintenance Items Bus $0 $0 $89,600,000 $89,600,000

Capital costs associated with the maintenance of buses

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Engine/Transmission Retrofits & Maintenance Capital Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Engine/Transmission Retrofits & Associated Capital - Replacement of engines and transmissions at a unit cost of $160,000 per bus and $8,000 per paratransit vehicle, and associated capital (radiator, pumps, alternator, filters, belts, compressors, coils, shafts, modules, clamps, heaters, turbochargers, etc.).
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $5,912,569 $0 $0 $5,912,569

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ CTA Blue Line Forest Park Modernization - Phase 1 Rail $0 $0 $131,245,158 $131,245,158

Track improvements to address the most immediate critical track needs on the Forest Park Branch to enable its continued operation

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Forest Park: Phase 1 - Racine Station and Morgan Substation & Hermitage Traction Power Improvements Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The CTA's Forest Park Blue Line Upgrades Project is the first of four phases of the Forest Park Branch. This project will provide for new trackwork from Halsted to IMD, an accessible station at Racine, advanced utility work, and a new substation and traction power equipment upgrades at Hermitage. This work will enhance service quality via speed, reliability, and comfort, and improve operational efficiency on the Forest Park Branch of CTA's rapid transit Blue Line service.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $67,471,237 $0 $0 $67,471,237

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$97,080,000
On Budget
On 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. A Notice to Proceed for construction has been issued in May 2023. The contractor is currently working on the required submittals.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Forest Park: Phase 1 - Advance Utility Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The CTA's Forest Park Blue Line Upgrades Project is the first of four phases of the Forest Park Branch.This project will provide for new trackwork from Halsted to IMD, an accessible station at Racine,advanced utility work, and a new substation and traction power equipment upgrades at Hermitage. Thiswork will enhance service quality via speed, reliability, and comfort, and improve operational efficiency onthe Forest Park Branch of CTA's rapid transit Blue Line service.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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
$3,396,000
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The contractors for all four surveys completed their work during this reporting period and two are in final comments. Invoicing continues and all four contracts are considered to be in financial closeout. This will be the last update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Forest Park: Phase 1 - Trackwork Halsted to IMD Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The CTA's Forest Park Blue Line Upgrades Project is the first of four phases of the Forest Park Branch. This project will provide for new trackwork from Halsted to Illinois Medical District (IMD), an accessible station at Racine, advanced utility work, and a new substation and traction power equipment upgrades at Hermitage. This work will enhance service quality via speed, reliability, and comfort, and improve operational efficiency on the Forest Park Branch of CTA's rapid transit Blue Line service.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $43,497,351 $0 $0 $43,497,351

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$158,423,800
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The extended line cut was completed in this reporting period. The concrete slab was poured as well. The contractor will continue to work on sub-ballast, installation of sewer structures, underdrains and downspouts, building the track as well as CTA tamping the track.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Blue Line Forest Park Modernization - Phase 2 Rail $0 $0 $653,077,000 $653,077,000

Track improvements to address the most immediate critical track needs on the Forest Park Branch to enable its continued operation

+ 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 Blue Line (O'Hare) Traction Power Capacity & Track Improvements Rail $0 $0 $215,740,272 $215,740,272

Upgrades and State of Good Repair projects along the O'Hare Branch of the Blue Line

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Blue Line O'Hare Branch - Special Trackwork Track & Structure Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Funds provide for the replacement of stock rails, switch points, frogs, switch ties, and plates on the O’Hare Line that are no longer in a state of good repair and require concentrated maintenance by CTA forces to ensure service. The component replacement will take place between the Jefferson Park interlocking and the O’Hare terminal.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $2,013,674 $0 $0 $2,013,674

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Blue Line O'Hare Branch Traction Power Improvements Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Blue Line O'Hare Branch Traction Power Improvements GTT - Project will include targeted track repairs to remove existing slow zones on the Congress Branch of the Blue Line. CTA has identified traction power voltage drop issues along the Blue Line. Scope of work will include but not limited to the following elements: New infill substations, infill wayside energy storage systems, infill tie houses, third rail replacement, addition of auxiliary negative rail; work will be performed by an outside contractor. In addition project will aslo provide for the replacement of ties, track fasteners, footwalks, and incidental signal and traction power; this part of work will be performed by CTA Field Forces.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $12,405,159 $0 $0 $12,405,159

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$207,100,000
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The contractor completed installation and testing of wayside signal equipment and all cutovers along the specific portion of the blue line. The project is considered substantially complete with the contractor performing punch list items. Final invoices remain and this will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Blue Line Traction Power - Barry, Damen and Canal Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Construct a tie house (at the intersection of Milwaukee/Canal/Lake Street) and two new substations (atBarry/Kimball intersection and Damen/Milwaukee intersection) to support traction power needs on theBlue Line. These assets will support increasing ridership demands as well as the power needed tosupport 5000 and 7000 series rail cars. The location of the tie house and substations were determinedby the Blue Line Load Flow study, which identified areas that were likely to experience traction powerissues.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $2,200,191 $0 $0 $2,200,191

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$122,417,171
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Construction ongoing at Canal Tie House, Damen, Barry and Haymarket Stations. Contractor has begun applying for CDOT general occupancy permits and sewer permits. Factory Testing has resumed and is on schedule.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Old Mannheim Replacement Foot walk Track & Structure Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Restore footwalk at Old Manheim on the O'Hare Line.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $250,000 $0 $0 $250,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Traction Power Upgrades - Kedvale, Edmunds & Sacramento Substations Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
This project will Provide for AC breaker replacement at Kedvale, Edmunds and Sacramento substations. This will also include the replacement of oil (non?PCB) transformer and rectifiers along with roof and doors replacement at the Kedvale and Sacramento substations.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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
$12,030,427
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The contractor was able to install the transformers, rectifiers, as well as roof and door replacements since the last reporting period. The project reachedsubstantial completion in January 2023 and punchlist items were completed. Final invoices remain. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Brown Line Improvements Rail $0 $0 $436,384,000 $436,384,000

Upgrades and State of Good Repair projects along the Brown Line

+ 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 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.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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

+ 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.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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

+ CTA Bus Garage Improvements Bus $0 $0 $248,090,000 $248,090,000

Provide repairs at bus maintenance garages and shops

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Bus Hoist Replacement Program Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Project will support an updated assessment of the bus hoists to determine which may need replacement, as well as design and construction for those locations.This funding will provide for the purchase and installation of bus hoists at five CTA bus garages.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $15,000,000 $0 $0 $15,000,000

Last Updated 03.15.2023

+ Improve Facilities - Electric Bus Program Planning Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
CTA has committed to a full electrification of the bus fleet by 2040, providing significant air quality improvements to the region and the immediate vicinity of the garage facilities. To implement the program, the garages will need to be converted to allow for routing servicing / charging of the buses as well as new maintenance requirements. The work will generally involve significant electrical upgrades, installation of charger infrastructure, and general updates to the facility to support the conversion to an electric fleet.The primary locations for the electric charger upgrades will be within all of the CTA bus garages. Secondary locations will be on route charging at major terminals to support the longer bus routes. A study is ongoing to recommend network options and charging requirements. Additionally, load flow studies will be required at all of the garages to properly determine the specific charging needs.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $44,599,730 $0 $0 $44,599,730

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ North Park Garage – Building Demolition Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Project will cover the building demolition and site restoration of 5323 N. Kedzie.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $177,485 $0 $0 $177,485

Last Updated 12.16.2022