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.
Separate tracks at busiest switching location on Metra system
+
CTA
Railcar Purchase
Rail
$187,816,008
$421,404,494
$1,166,014,395
$744,609,901
Replacement of 2600- and 3200-series rail cars
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Purchase Rail Cars - 7000 Series (Base Order 400)
Rolling Stock
Rail
$61,950,715
$77,284,911
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Purchase Rail Cars - 7000' Series (Base Order 400) - Program funds will provide for the continued cash needs and obligation provisions as identified in the contract documents for the 7000' series rail car Base contract order of 400 cars.
*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
$46,950,715
$15,334,196
$62,284,911
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$15,000,000
$0
$15,000,000
Total
$99,186,582
$61,950,715
$15,334,196
$176,471,493
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$713,703,634
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Status conferences continued with CRRC to address/track various items. Revenue service testing ended and production deliveries begun in this reporting period. CTA inspection personnel continue working in China and continue to conduct welded subassembly checks and production car body shell inspections for production cars. There are approximately 62 car body shells in various states of assembly. Final assembly continues on 74 cars in the US. CTA has accepted 48 of the cars thus far for revenue service.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Purchase Rail Cars - 7000 Series Options
Rolling Stock
Rail
$15,371,956
$132,408,232
Project Details
Description
Provides for initial cash needs and obligation anticipated for the Option(s) order to procure up to an additional 256 new 7000' series rail cars.
*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
$15,371,956
$78,969,503
$94,341,459
State
$0
$0
$38,066,773
$38,066,773
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$0
$15,371,956
$117,036,276
$132,408,232
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Purchase Rail Cars - 9000 Series
Rolling Stock
Rail
$110,493,337
$211,711,351
Project Details
Description
Funding to acquire new 9000-Series rail cars, CTA anticipates the contract will consist of a Base Order to purchase 300 cars and option(s) for an additional 246 cars.
*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
$103,093,337
$80,688,996
$183,782,333
State
$0
$7,400,000
$20,529,018
$27,929,018
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$101,506,663
$110,493,337
$101,218,014
$313,218,014
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
Green Line Improvements
Rail
$0
$0
$645,293,069
$645,293,069
Track, structural, station, and power improvements
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Englewood Racine Green Line Station Feasibilty Study (EPI)
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Study to determine the possiblity of reopening the Green Line Racine Station in Englewood
*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
$2,778,500
$0
$0
$2,778,500
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Green Line - Lake Street Bridge
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
The Green Line Improvements project will largely focus on track replacement and structural repairs.This funding would support track improvements on both sides of the Lake Street Bridge, which isscheduled to be completely replaced by the Chicago Department of Transportation in 2023. The scopeof the project will include: improve the curve geometry on the east side of the bridge; replace thetimber ties and rail fasteners, install new gauge planking, replace equipment at both the east and westturnouts, and replace structural steel framing for the three side platforms adjacent to the track.
*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
$7,025,296
On Budget
Behind Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The Notice to Proceed for the designer was issued in February 2022. The design activities are nearing completion. Coordination efforts with CDOT are ongoing. Once the CTA design is completed it will be on hold until CDOT finishes their portion of the design in order to align the timeline for construction activities.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Green Line Improvements - 59th Junction
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Replacement of special track work and adjacent mainline trackwork at Green Line 59th Junction. Rehab of track surves over the Dan Ryan Expressway, and rehabilitation of track on adjacent bridges over the Norfolk Southern and Metra Train lines.
*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
$21,911,108
$0
$0
$21,911,108
Last Updated 03.15.2023
+
Green Line Improvements - Station Repairs to Green West and South
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
The Green Line Improvements project will largely focus on track replacement and structural repairs.This funding will improve Green line infrastructure including track, substations, traction power cable replacements, stations, and all local traction power cables throughout the line system.
*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
$1,447,966
$0
$0
$1,447,966
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Green Line Jackson Park Branch Trackwork
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
The Green Line Improvements project will largely focus on track replacement and structural repairs. FY 2020 funding will improve Green line infrastructure improvements including Track, Substations, Traction Power Cable Replacement and all local traction power cables throughout the line system.
*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
$12,855,446
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Work under this project started in April 2021. The work is being performed by CTA in-house work forces. Activities related to tie replacement, cross grinder and flange replacements are ongoing. Material purchases are also ongoing.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
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Lake Street Line (Track and Structure)
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Track renewal work focusing on the Lake Street elevated tracks from Ada Street to the Abutment West of Laramie Avenue. This work builds upon the recent track renewal work completed from Harlem to Laramie Avenue.The specific area of work within this segment of track will be determine based on funding availability and the condition of track. This provides for the initial installment of funds that are required for a significantly larger investment to complete work. Additional phased funding will be required to complete the entire segment of Track.Scope includes replacement of ties, fasteners, timber guards, contact rail chairs, footwalks, handrails, track planking, selective running and contact rail, including at special trackwork and the middle track locations. The scope also includes improved curve geometry, running rail grinding, and incidental signal/traction power work. Lake Street
*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
$11,408,000
$0
$0
$11,408,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
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
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
Subway Life Safety Improvements
Rail
$0
$18,000,000
$604,309,000
$586,309,000
Upgrade to existing subway ventilation equipment
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Subway Life Safety
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$18,000,000
Project Details
Description
Further planning and assesment is needed, but will use Call for Projects as basis to detailing specific plan. Some items to assess with budget are, but not limited to:• Ventilation improvements• Vent shaft grate replacements• Subway pumps and controls rehabilitation• Subway emergency egress footwalks• LED lighting improvements• Emergency Light Feed (ELF) upgrades• Subway sewer restoration
*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
$18,000,000
$18,000,000
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$3,000,000
$0
$18,000,000
$21,000,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Subway Underground Underwater Emergency Exit
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
The vision for this project is to secure CTA’s underground and underwater tunnel subway system and emergency exits by leveraging technology to fill the security deficiencies in the physical tunnel infrastructure that otherwise would be prohibitively expensive and improbable to achieve with humans. The goal is to create a comprehensive yet sustainable solution that ultimately prevents, detects, tracks, authorizes, and responds to all human activity in the restricted, non-public areas of the tunnels.
*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
$1,874,906
$0
$0
$1,874,906
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Metra
Chicago Union Station Improvements
Rail
$1,000,000
$15,700,000
$549,675,000
$533,975,000
Implementation of key projects benefiting commuters using Chicago Union Station
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Chicago Union Station Concourse Reconstruction
Stations & Passenger Facilities
Rail
$1,000,000
$15,000,000
Project Details
Description
This project will support the Amtrak-led effort to complete the Final Design phase work and the eventual construction phase to reconstruct the Chicago Union Station (CUS) Concourse. Metra and Amtrak collaborate to maintain and improve CUS and the facilities within the terminal. Project funds will provide Metra’s local matching funding commitment to Amtrak’s project.
*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
$14,000,000
$14,000,000
State
$0
$1,000,000
$0
$1,000,000
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
$14,000,000
$17,000,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Chicago Union Station Interlockers
Stations & Passenger Facilities
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
This project involves the modernization and upgrading of outmoded interlockings at the north and south ends of Chicago Union Station (CUS). The project will include, but not be limited to, new rail, ties, ballast cleaning or replacement, upgrades to signal infrastructure, replacement of switches and components, and other related work as needed. Amtrak contributes funds towards a portion of the project work.
*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
$8,500,000
$0
$0
$8,500,000
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$13,096,850
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Amtrak identified scope of work for 2023 and has executed with Metra a Fixed Facility Agreement to complete the project. The project has started where Amtrak began the replacement and upgrades of switches, signal and rail at Harrison St and Taylor St of the North and South end of CUS.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Crew Facilities Chicago Union Station
Stations & Passenger Facilities
Rail
$0
$700,000
Project Details
Description
Remodeling of the Chicago Union Station Crew Facility will provide adequate female staff locker, shower, toilet, and bunk facilities. The remodel will also upgrade the male staff locker, shower, toilet, and bunk facilities. The remodel will also revise the mechanical systems to provide the required ventilation, which has been an issue in the facility. Finally, the remodel will improve lighting in the facilities and confirm life safety systems meet the applicable building codes.
*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
$700,000
$700,000
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$0
$0
$700,000
$700,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Pace
Improve Support Facilities
Bus
$55,000,000
$167,000,000
$671,695,895
$504,695,895
Includes North, Southwest, River, North Shore, and Wheeling Divisions - Electrification/Expansion
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Construct Salt Shed
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Pace is in need of a stand-alone storage solution and will construct a shed to store and secure up to 10tons of bulk rock salt that is used during the winter season. The construction of the shed will be within thefootprint of Pace's parcel. This shed will allow for accessible use with Pace's skidsteer to load rock saltonto the pickup trucks and distribute it on approximately more than 15,000 square yards of grounds(parking lots and driveways), in addition to sidewalks, in a safe and more efficient manner. CurrentlyPace purchases 50-pound bags of salt that have to be loaded manually which has become very unsafein term of personal injury risk and is very time consuming as it has to be loaded multiple times per day.
*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
$75,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
A construction contract was awarded. There were some delays related to the Village code requirements and permits. All activities were completed during this reporting period and final invoices remain. This will be the final update on this project.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Fire Loop System
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Replacement of underground loop, piping, valves, and pump for fire suppression.
*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
$2,050,000
$0
$0
$2,050,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Headquarters Renovation
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Paint and carpet replacement at Administrative Office in Arlington Heights. HQ is currently 2 floors of employees with the building capable of a 3rd floor structure. Adding a third floor we would incorporate high efficient heating and cooling with hospital grade filters update the colors and carpet and workspace on the first and second floor to match the third floor.
*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
$750,000
$0
$0
$750,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
North Division Electrification/Expansion
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$55,000,000
$62,600,000
Project Details
Description
Renovation and expansion of North Division Garage located in Waukegan, including installation of charging capabilities for electric buses.
*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
$55,000,000
$7,600,000
$62,600,000
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$60,350,000
$55,000,000
$7,600,000
$122,950,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
North Shore Division Expansion
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
North Shore Division Expansion - A/E design and construction to renovate and expand Pace's North Shore Division bus garage.
*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
$20,000,000
$0
$0
$20,000,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Southwest Division Electrification/Expansion
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$104,400,000
Project Details
Description
The facilities will be built on a 22-acre site that is situated next door to Pace’s SouthDivision Garage in Markham and owned by Pace. The purpose of this project is to consolidate certainoperational functions currently operating at each garage into one location. This will improve productivityand control costs by eliminating duplication. The original plan was to construct three separate buildings:1) an Active Transit Management Center to accommodate Central Dispatching; 2) a new Central StoresWarehouse and 3) Acceptance Facility for preparing new buses to put in service. The Active TransitManagement Center will include Central Dispatching, Customer Service, Safety, Operator Training, etc.The Acceptance Facility Garage will replace the facility in South Holland and include body repair work,mechanic training, Tech Services (farebox and radio repair), sign and shelter shops, etc. The thirdfunction is a new Central Warehouse for parts and materials.
*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.
