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 2025-2029 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 2025-2029 Regional Capital Program. Beginning with the 2025-2029 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 2025-2029 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 2025-2029 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.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2025 Funding
2025-2029 Funding
PMO
+
A2 Interlocking
Track & Structure
Rail
$500,000
$500,000
Project Details
Description
Metra’s A2 Interlocking switches traffic along 7 mainline tracks and is the most complicated intersection on the Metra system. A2 is among the busiest railroad interlockings in North America with approximately 350 train movements each weekday including Metra, Amtrak, and private freight railroads. A2 Interlocking is 2.5 east of Chicago Union Station with the Western Avenue Yard and M19A Yards due west of A2. Numerous assets are beyond their useful life benchmarks and in need of replacement including but not limited to more than 30 switches, related signal system components, the 1905-era bridges that support A2 over Western Avenue, and the adjacent century-old Tower A2 from which A2 is manually operated. Project funds will be utilized to conduct a planning study beginning in 2025 with subsequent funding for later project phases.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$500,000
$0
$500,000
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$0
$500,000
$0
$500,000
Last Updated 12.19.2024
+
Metra
75th Street Corridor
Rail
$0
$0
$1,728,912,938
$1,728,912,938
Reconfigure track shared by Metra, Amtrak, and freight trains.
+
Pace
ADA Regional Paratransit Program
Bus
$0
$0
$394,034,000
$394,034,000
Replacement of vehicles and radio systems for existing program. New vehicles, transfer locations and maintenance facilities for direct Pace ownership of assets for ADA service within City of Chicago.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2025 Funding
2025-2029 Funding
PMO
+
ADA Technology Upgrades and Transfer Centers
Systemwide
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Regional ADA Paratransit Communication Technology and Transfer Locations - Projects include upgrades to the Trapeze software, TripCheck online booking and tracking, TripCheck Interactive Voice Response phone system, text/email notifications, and Ventra integration. In areas with frequent transfers, funding will be used to purchase land, build facilities, and provide amenities for riders. Pace has identified a location that is adjacent to the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg that is planned to be the first of these transfer locations.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$20,000,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Construction at the Northwest Transportation Center ADA Transfer Facility is ongoing. The contractor completed the underground sewer and drainage structure installation. Site work is ongoing with sandblasting of the existing bus bays and painting. Construction of the transfer facility included building the walls, slab-on-grade floor, transfer facility utilities, new bus driveway pavement, light pole foundations, curb and gutter. Progress continues on the implementation of various technology enhancement projects. The first two phases of the Taxi Access Program have been completed and the vendor is currently working on the third phase. Activity continues on two phases of Trapeze technology enhancements to Pace’s Trapeze paratransit scheduling system.
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
Pace
Administration - Pace
Bus
$0
$0
$0
$0
Provide for program administration
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2025 Funding
2025-2029 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.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
$425,000
$0
$0
$425,000
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 07.10.2022
+
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.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
$1,000,000
$0
$0
$1,000,000
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 06.22.2023
+
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
2025 Funding
2025-2029 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.).
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
$28,073,040
$0
$0
$28,073,040
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
CTA
Blue Line Forest Park Modernization - Phase 1
Rail
$0
$0
$112,541,649
$112,541,649
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
2025 Funding
2025-2029 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.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
$101,526,231
$0
$0
$101,526,231
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$87,512,392
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The contractor completed the heavy mobilization at the project site. The construction activities are ongoing. The contractor continues to work for necessary permits related to drilling and directional bores for the project. A weekend-single track linecut is scheduled for end of September with backup in the first weekend of October. Work in the linecut will include working on Morgan substation and Racine Stationhouse at bridge level, complete forming the deck for the platform extension, detailing the bridge, rebar replacement, pouring the bridge deck concrete for the station house, and miscellaneous steel work.
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
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.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
$2,499,560
$0
$0
$2,499,560
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 01.10.2023
+
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.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
$111,449,454
$0
$0
$111,449,454
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$147,765,006
On Budget
Ahead of Schedul
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The major trackwork and signal work has been completed, with almost three miles of track, between the LaSalle and Illinois Medical District stations rebuild. The contractor is in the final stages of providing submittals and warranties. This project was completed early and is in the close out phase. This will be the final update for this project.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
CTA
Blue Line Forest Park Modernization - Phase 2
Rail
$0
$0
$542,077,000
$542,077,000
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
2025 Funding
2025-2029 Funding
PMO
+
Forest Park Branch Corridor Development Office
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
In order to successfully and efficiently leverage the reconstruction of the Blue Line Forest Park Branch and the I-290 interstate, which lie in the same transportation corridor footprint, the jurisdictional authorities for the facilities and right of way propose to create a partnership to address the safety, mobility and condition of the corridor. CMAP, CTA and IDOT will work to create and implement a unified program vision. The Project requires a unified interagency approach and must adopt solutions in the corridor that leverage the expertise and innovations from a broad group of state and local stakeholders. A joint partnership facilitated by CMAP and developed alongside the Program Partners would allow the project stakeholders to advance and accelerate the I-290/Blue Line Corridor Program by implementing a program framework that fosters interagency collaboration, leverages stakeholder expertise and utilizes a Program Management Office to provide critical technical support for project sequencing, financing, coordination and public engagement.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
$2,750,000
$0
$0
$2,750,000
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
Forest Park: Phase 2 - Kedzie to Pulaski Track Improvements
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
funding to complete track improvements on the Blue Line between Kedzie Avenue and the Pulaski Station located within the North Lawndale, East Garfield and West Garfield Communities within the City of Chicago. This plan will advance CTA’s commitment to improving the aging track on the Blue Line that is beyond its useful life.The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Forest Park Branch Kedzie Avenue to Pulaski Road Track Improvements project is part of a larger program to reconstruct the Forest Park Branch of CTA’s rail rapid transit system to restore service reliability and speed, provide greater environmental resilience, and enhance the overall transit experience for historically disadvantaged communities on the west side of Chicago
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
$111,000,000
$0
$0
$111,000,000
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
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
2025 Funding
2025-2029 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.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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 06.22.2023
+
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 (at Barry/Kimball intersection and Damen/Milwaukee intersection) to support traction power needs on the Blue Line. These assets will support increasing ridership demands as well as the power needed to support 5000 and 7000 series rail cars. The location of the tie house and substations were determined by the Blue Line Load Flow study, which identified areas that were likely to experience traction power issues.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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
$115,881,191
$0
$0
$115,881,191
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$123,967,362
On Budget
Behind Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Construction work is ongoing at Canal, Damen, Haymarket and the Canal Tie-House. AC switchgear was installed at the Haymarket substation, however there is work to investigate and repair a line crack that occurred. Damen electrical work and Barry curtainwall work is ongoing.
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
Old Mannheim Replacement Foot walk
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Restore footwalk at Old Manheim on the O'Hare Line.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2025 Funding
2026-2029 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.
