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.
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.
*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.
*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 (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 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
$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 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.
*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
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.
*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.
*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.
*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
+
Pace
Bus on Shoulder (BoS) Infrastructure
Bus
$0
$0
$17,025,000
$17,025,000
Passenger facilities for Bus on Shoulder service
+
Pace
Charging Infrastructure
Bus
$0
$0
$36,000,000
$36,000,000
Charging infrastructure at garages to charge electric buses, including power supply lines, charging station equipment, and backup generators .
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Charging Infrastructure
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Maintenance of existing building structures, systems, asphalt/concrete, etc. Charging infrastructure at North, North Shore, and Southwest Divisions.
*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
$5,500,000
$0
$0
$5,500,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
North Division Garage Improvements
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
These funds will be used to prepare the North Garage for Electirc 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
$0
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$10,181,017
$0
$0
$10,181,017
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Pace
Community Vehicles - Expansion
Bus
$0
$0
$3,000,000
$3,000,000
New Community and Call-n-Ride vehicles
+
Pace
Community Vehicles - Replacement
Bus
$0
$0
$17,955,000
$17,955,000
Replacement of buses reaching useful life
+
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
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
+
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 project was on a brief hold in the winter due to weather conditions. The contractor has re-mobilized and work on concrete repairs, expansion joints, joint sealers and thermal insulation is ongoing. The tuckpointing and roofing work is also in progress.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
Pace
Farebox System
Bus
$0
$0
$0
$0
Replace fareboxes that are over 20-years old
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Farebox System Replacement
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Farebox System Replacement - Over 700 fareboxes on Pace fixed route buses will be replaced, with prior PAYGO funding of $7.5M from 2020 included.
*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
$3,079,344
$0
$0
$3,079,344
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$7,500,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
All of the fareboxes were installed on the garages and the project is considered substantially complete. Final invoices remain. This will be the final update on this project.
