Project Management Oversight (PMO) Capital Projects

The RTA is responsible for ensuring that the Service Boards are spending capital funds and managing their capital projects effectively and efficiently.  The RTA conducts periodic project reviews with Service Board project managers to ensure that capital projects are being implemented according to scope, on schedule, within budget and according to established project management guidelines.

Each project listed below is being actively monitored by RTA’s PMO team. Reporting data is provided that includes, Project Start Date, Project End Date, Budget Status, Schedule Status and Current Activities. These projects are also part of the overall Regional Capital Program which can be viewed separately here.

PMO also produces semi-annual reports that cover all projects that are being monitored. These reports can be found on the Project Management Oversight site.  The latest report is the December 2023 Project Management Oversight report. 

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This search filters based on details within the PMO Project. The search box below allows users to search by PMO Project name.

Agency Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding Status Sort descending
+ Metra New Bi-Level Rail Cars Purchase Rolling Stock Rail $0 $207,745,501 Behind Schedule

Project Details

Description
This project funds the long-term railcar replacement program and will purchase up to 500 state-of-the-art railcars. The modern, multilevel railcars will offer a smoother and more comfortable ride. Metra's new railcars will have two entranceways on each side with doors nearly level to the platform which will improve the speed of boarding and deboarding at each station. Boarding will require only one step to enter and faster wheelchair lifts will bridge the slight difference between the station platform and the floor of the railcars. The new railcars will require significantly less maintenance time and frequency, thereby reducing operating costs. Initial plans are to retire as many as 300 railcars from Metra's fleet that are nearing 50 years old.
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 $137,860,501 $137,860,501
State $0 $0 $69,885,000 $69,885,000
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $22,400,000 $0 $207,745,501 $230,145,501

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$847,056,032
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
Alstom continued to submit various design changes and mock-ups for the final design document packages to Metra. Communications between Metra, Alstom, VRE and other parties are continuous. Final Design Review meetings began during this reporting period. Approval of some changes are expected in the following reporting period.

Last Updated 04.15.2024

+ CTA All Station Accessibility Program & Canopies at Montrose Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $0 Behind Schedule

Project Details

Description
This job order will provide for the design/construction of two new elevators at the Montrose Blue Line Station. Further this project will fund replacement of canopies at Montrose station.
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 $7,703,822 $0 $0 $7,703,822

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$23,317,875
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 design has been issued in May 2023. The kickoff meeting was held and the design validation is in progress.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Rail Facilities - Des Plaines Yard Support Facilities & Equipment Rail $0 $0 Behind Schedule

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.
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
$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

+ Pace New Northwest Garage - Wheeling Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 Behind Schedule

Project Details

Description
Northwest Wheeling Garage - Completion of the renovation of a 430,000 square feet bus storage and maintenance facility in Wheeling that will replace Pace's Northwest Division garage in Des Plaines. This CNG fueling facility will house approximately 133 buses with 17 maintenance bays and administrative offices.
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
$81,129,563
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
Pace has entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Village of Wheeling. The improvements to Old Willow Road have been completed. The initial design has been finalized. The project is in the process of being re-scoped to add the electrification component. The design will be updated once Pace’s electrification study is completed to include the additional scope of work.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Metra Evanston Bridge Repainting Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 Behind Schedule

Project Details

Description
This project involves the sanding, abatement and repainting of the Dempster Street and Davis Streetbridges in Evanston on the Union Pacific North 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 $0 $0 $0 $0

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$3,300,000
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
The contractor finished painting and applying the protective coating on the bridge in December. Final invoices remain and this will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Pace Purchase 7-passenger Vanpool Vehicles Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0 On Schedule

Project Details

Description
Vanpool Vehicles - Pace plans to purchase 164 replacement 17'-20' vans including associated equipment and services (Buy America audit and inspections) for vanpool services.
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
$13,899,800
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The vans will be utilized in the six county Pace service area. To date a total of 25 vans have been ordered, all have been received. Pace has executed a contract to install OEM passenger running boards on the first order of 25 vans. All the running boards have been installed and are in the active fleet. Pace continued to work on an action plan for ordering more vehicles based on projected needs under a separate contract. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Metra Yard Improvements - Western Avenue Support Facilities & Equipment Rail $0 $0 On Schedule

Project Details

Description
This project will provide design and construction funds for yard improvement projects at the yard facilities along the Milwaukee District lines. Upgrades under this project will include, but are not limited to, installation of electric heating elements for switches and the installation of steel grated boardwalks at the Western Avenue yard. Track work would include rail, ties, ballast and switches.
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
$10,500,000
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The diesel shop roof replacement and HVAC rehab has procurement activities in process for the construction contractor and construction management services.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Metra Ticket Vending Machines Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $7,500,000 On Schedule

Project Details

Description
This project is the first phase of installing up to 310 ticket vending machines (TVMs) at selected stations throughout the Metra system to provide added amenities to Metra customers. The TVMs will offer a variety of ticket purchasing options and make purchasing tickets faster, easier, and more convenient for our customers. The TVMs will be fully ADA-accessible and will offer the ability to purchase tickets using contactless cards and mobile wallet applications and will no longer need to insert debit/credit cards into the machine.
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 $7,500,000 $7,500,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $33,510,000 $0 $7,500,000 $41,010,000

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$46,000,090
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
This project is currently in the production phase. The manufacturing of the first 100 TVMs is in progress. Seventy-Seven (77) total TVM’s have been delivered and installed. The extended pilot program continues with the newly installed TVM’s.

Last Updated 04.15.2024

+ Metra Substation Improvements - Matteson Substation Support Facilities & Equipment Rail $0 $0 On Schedule

Project Details

Description
This project is for the replacement of the rectifiers at substations along the Metra Electric Line. The rectifiers are 35 years old and they have long exceeded their useful life. Replacement parts are not available. The Matteson Substation has been identified as a high priority location. Planned work at Matteson includes construction services to replace and add traction power equipment including a 15kv AC switchgear lineup and two?dry type copper?winding traction power transformers. Other locations identifed under this project include Jackson Substation and Homewood Substation.
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
$17,192,751
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The Final Design Review meeting for the Matteson Substation project took place in March 2023. Factory Acceptance Testing for the rectifiers and transformers has been completed and procurement of long lead time items such as transfer switches and switch gears is ongoing. Site construction work is scheduled to begin in May. The contractor poured the concrete foundation slab and equipment pads for the Matteson substation. The contractor also reworked temporary power for the project site, performed conduit work in the existing substation vault, and formed & poured equipment pads. The Jackson Substation project is in the design phase. The design for that project is 75% complete.

Last Updated 04.15.2024

+ Metra Car and Locomotive Cameras Rolling Stock Rail $2,000,000 $10,000,000 On Schedule

Project Details

Description
This project involves the purchase of a digital video recording (DVR) system. The system will replace the 12-year old, obsolete system currently running on Metra’s rolling stock. The new system will allow for video recording of railroad signal aspects and incidents and includes inward-facing cameras and outward-facing, dual-lens cameras.
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 $2,000,000 $8,000,000 $10,000,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $8,000,000 $14,000,000

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$19,944,178
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The new technology allows recording at a faster frame rate and higher resolution, allowing slowing down the recording to less than real time rates without distortion, blurring, or loss of resolution. Currently, the DVR system is being installed by Metra Forces and passenger cameras are being installed by a vendor. All prototype installations were completed with them running with no issues. The full-scale installation began, and kits started delivery in October 2022. In total, 71 cars were completed, and the project is on-going and continuing installation activities.

Last Updated 12.14.2023