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.
Preform rail car maintenance activities to keep the fleet in a state of good repair.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
2020 - Rail Car Maintenance
Rolling Stock
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
CTA will continue investing in the rail car fleet maintenance program. This program is intended to correct critical defects and operational deficiencies discovered during inspections of rail cars. CTA’s scheduled maintenance program consists of planned work to maintain rail car performance. While major overhaul work is performed on a quarterly and mid-life cycle basis, additional focused maintenance work is required at certain intervals of the car’s life, outside of the overhaul cycle. When certain maintenance tasks are needed to repair or replace a component before it reaches its end of useful life and fails with an increased frequency, specific component campaign work is conducted.The major systems that must be maintained on CTA’s rail cars include the following:Propulsion, Safety, HVAC, Braking, Battery/Charging, Signage, Doors, Windows, Traction Power, RCA, Lighting, Automatic Train Control, Communication , Suspension, Car body/Structure. CTA’s Rail Terminal Shops are responsible for the maintenance that may result in replacement of a variety of components such as: traction motors, HVAC components and packages, lights, public address system components, trucks, wheels assemblies, hydraulic units, couplers, drawbars, and numerous other mechanical and electrical components. CTA’s Heavy Maintenance Shop is responsible for the rebuild/repair/manufacture of components for the railcar fleet such as wheel assemblies, truck assemblies, traction motors, air comfort units, electronic devices, control units, and associated devices including solid state and microprocessor-controlled units.
*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
$27,074,655
On Budget
Behind Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Rail car maintenance activities with this funding were completed in this reporting period. Final invoices remain. This will be the final update on this project.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
2021 - Rail Car Maintenance
Rolling Stock
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
CTA will continue investing in the rail car fleet maintenance program. This program is intended to correct critical defects and operational deficiencies discovered during inspections of rail cars. CTA’s scheduled maintenance program consists of planned work to maintain rail car performance. While major overhaul work is performed on a quarterly and mid-life cycle basis, additional focused maintenance work is required at certain intervals of the car’s life, outside of the overhaul cycle. When certain maintenance tasks are needed to repair or replace a component before it reaches its end of useful life and fails with an increased frequency, specific component campaign work is conducted.The major systems that must be maintained on CTA’s rail cars include the following:Propulsion, Safety, HVAC, Braking, Battery/Charging, Signage, Doors, Windows, Traction Power, RCA, Lighting, Automatic Train Control, Communication , Suspension, Car body/Structure. CTA’s Rail Terminal Shops are responsible for the maintenance that may result in replacement of a variety of components such as: traction motors, HVAC components and packages, lights, public address system components, trucks, wheels assemblies, hydraulic units, couplers, drawbars, and numerous other mechanical and electrical components. CTA’s Heavy Maintenance Shop is responsible for the rebuild/repair/manufacture of components for the railcar fleet such as wheel assemblies, truck assemblies, traction motors, air comfort units, electronic devices, control units, and associated devices including solid state and microprocessor-controlled units.
*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
$10,000,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Rail car maintenance activities were completed during this reporting period. Major elements include, but not limited to, rail car inspection and engineering; vehicle wiring; and body work. The project budget has been decreased via a grant amendment for a bus maintenance project. This will be the final update on this project.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
2022 - Rail Car Maintenance
Rolling Stock
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
CTA will continue investing in the rail car fleet maintenance program. This program is intended to correct critical defects and operational deficiencies discovered during inspections of rail cars. CTA’s scheduled maintenance program consists of planned work to maintain rail car performance. While major overhaul work is performed on a quarterly and mid-life cycle basis, additional focused maintenance work is required at certain intervals of the car’s life, outside of the overhaul cycle. When certain maintenance tasks are needed to repair or replace a component before it reaches its end of useful life and fails with an increased frequency, specific component campaign work is conducted.The major systems that must be maintained on CTA’s rail cars include the following:Propulsion, Safety, HVAC, Braking, Battery/Charging, Signage, Doors, Windows, Traction Power, RCA, Lighting, Automatic Train Control, Communication , Suspension, Car body/Structure. CTA’s Rail Terminal Shops are responsible for the maintenance that may result in replacement of a variety of components such as: traction motors, HVAC components and packages, lights, public address system components, trucks, wheels assemblies, hydraulic units, couplers, drawbars, and numerous other mechanical and electrical components. CTA’s Heavy Maintenance Shop is responsible for the rebuild/repair/manufacture of components for the railcar fleet such as wheel assemblies, truck assemblies, traction motors, air comfort units, electronic devices, control units, and associated devices including solid state and microprocessor-controlled units.
*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
$18,106,390
$0
$0
$18,106,390
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$310,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Rail car maintenance activities for this project were completed during this reporting period. Major elements included, but are not limited to, rail car inspection and engineering, vehicle wiring, and body work. This will be the final update on this project.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
CTA
Rail Yard Improvements
Rail
$0
$0
$259,324,412
$259,324,412
Improvements to CTA Rail Yards
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Facilities Critical Needs ? Harlem Yard Water Tower Demolition
Support Facilities & Equipment
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Demolotion of the Harlem Water Tower at the Harlem Yard.
*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
$2,869,867
$0
$0
$2,869,867
Last Updated 03.15.2023
+
Rail Facilities - Des Plaines Yard
Support Facilities & Equipment
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
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.
*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
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The Notice to Proceed for construction services has been issued in January 2024. The contractor has been working on submittals and permitting. Coordination with Nicor Gas for the new gas line is ongoing. Advanced purchased material is being delivered. CTA and the contractor are preparing for a 16-day yard shutdown to perform some of the critical work.
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
Rail Facilities (Yards)
Support Facilities & Equipment
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Funding will provide for the upgrades to be made to the rail yard system infrastructure including track and associated components, fire suppression, and lighting. Other facility deficiencies will be address including but not limited to: boilers, trash collection systems, roofs, windows, pavement replacement, rail hoist replacement, inspection pit rehabilitation, roof replacements, and heating and ventilation air conditioning systems. Overall this project will allow CTA to address multiple state of good repair needs at rail yard facilities.
*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
$7,900,000
$0
$0
$7,900,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
CTA
Red Line Improvements
Rail
$0
$0
$396,400,000
$396,400,000
Upgrades and State of Good Repair projects along the Red Line
+
CTA
Red Purple Modernization
Rail
$0
$0
$5,956,152,265
$5,956,152,265
Advancement of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program, the largest line rebuild and capital improvement project in CTA history
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Red/Purple Modernization - Phase 1
Modernization
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
North Main Line - RPM The purpose of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program is to expand capacity to meet growing ridership demand; reduce travel times; improve access to job markets and destinations; better utilize existing transit infrastructure; bring the existing infrastructure to a state of good repair; and improve access to the system for patrons with disabilities. FY2021-2025 funds will continue RPM Phase One funding stream.Red Purple Modernization phase one project consists the following interrelated and concurrent projects, as defined in the environmental documents to be developed by the CTA:RED-PURPLE BYPASS PROJECT. This element would construct a fifth track bypass flyover immediately north of the CTA Belmont Station to separate northbound Brown Line trains that currently conflict with southbound Purple Line trains and both northbound and southbound Red Line trains. This project includes construction of a new fifth track bypass flyover and replacement or renovation of approximately 0.3 mile of associated mainline track.LAWRENCE TO BRYN MAWR MODERNIZATION PROJECT. This modernization project would replace 1.3 miles of the existing rail line from Leland Avenue on the south to approximately Ardmore Avenue on the north. This section of track includes four stations - Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr. The project would expand and modernize these four stations. The project would also provide ADA access to transit customers with disabilities in a two-mile stretch of the north Red Line that currently does not have accessible stations.CORRIDOR SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS. This project would improve the signal system and special trackwork generally between Belmont and Loyola stations. Improvements would occur within CTA's existing right-of-way. The scope of work includes planning, design, procurement, and installation of wayside equipment and special trackwork that are significantly past their useful lives. This project also includes improvements to existing special trackwork.CONTINUED INTERIM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. This project would improve track infrastructure conditions between Belmont Station and Linden Station in order to maintain service along existing rail lines. This work would take place within the CTA's existing right-of-way.
*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
$344,847,735
$0
$0
$344,847,735
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$2,203,408,226
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The Corridor Signal Improvements (CSI) project monitored the track circuit in the LBMM Stage B area and resumed installing brackets and messenger cables along embankment walls north of Thorndale. Additionally, innerduct installation for the communications network backbone continued. The Red Purple Modernization (RPM) project removed the old Clark Relay House, addressed signal testing discrepancies, and prepared for factory tests of new signal equipment. The Jarvis Relay Room began mechanical, electrical, and fire suppression improvements. The Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization (LBMM) completed significant structural work, including embankment excavation, retaining wall removal, and concrete deck pours for the Ardmore transition bridge. Drilling caissons and constructing concrete piers for the elevated structure progressed, and foundational work for the Bryn Mawr station began, alongside steel erection for the platform and escalator/elevator trusses. The
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
CTA
Replacement Bus Purchase (4300 series) - Electric Buses
Rail
$0
$0
$140,000,000
$140,000,000
Ongoing need to replace diesel articulated buses as they age with electric buses.
+
CTA
Replacement Buses (4000 Series) - Electric Buses
Bus
$0
$183,375,355
$263,332,432
$79,957,077
Replace 208 Articulated Buses due replacement in 2023. Priced at FY 2021 Articulated e-bus @1.4M. Ongoing need to replace buses as they age.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Purchase Articulated Electric Buses and Charging Equipment
Rolling Stock
Bus
$0
$183,375,355
Project Details
Description
Funding will provide for a new procurement intended to replace 208 articulated 4000-Series buses with the equivalent number of 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
$0
$158,558,869
$158,558,869
State
$0
$0
$24,816,486
$24,816,486
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$29,336,647
$0
$183,375,355
$212,712,002
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Metra
Rock Island Intercity Improvements (RI3)
Rail
$0
$13,500,000
$971,250,000
$957,750,000
Infrastructure improvements to support enhance service, additional capacity, rerouting the SWS and Amtrak trains bound for St. Louis and Texas.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
CREATE - P2 Rock Island District Connection
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
This project will provide engineering for the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (CIP) that will relieve rail congestion by separating freight and passenger rail lines. Bottlenecks will be eliminated, and train idling will be reduced.
*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
$23,000,000
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 design. The 60% design has been completed. Design development activities continue to progress to 90% design. Procurement process for Right-of- Way acquisition is ongoing. The Forest Hill Flyover has construction activities continuing. Finally, there was a change order approved for design to add a pedestrian tunnel.
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
Rock Island Connection and 3rd track
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Establish a new 3rd main on the Rock Island Line. The project study limits shall be from MP 0.0 (LaSalle Station) to MP 10.5 (Gresham Jct.). The new 3rd main is anticipated to extend from the new 16th Interlocking at MP 1.0 presently in design to the new CREATE P2 Interlocking at CP 74th. It is also anticpated that a new crossover will be required at Gresham to faciliate train movement into and out of the new 3rd main.
*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
$11,300,000
$0
$0
$11,300,000
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$11,300,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The preliminary engineering for this project has started. The NEPA Scopeof- Work (SOW) was advertised in October 2022. Survey work started first week of October 2022. NEPA activities are progressing.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
Rock Island Intercity Improvements (RI3)
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$13,500,000
Project Details
Description
This project will establish a new 3rd main line track on the Rock Island (RI) Line and various improvements between the LaSalle Street and Joliet terminals. The new 3rd main line track is anticipated to extend from the new 16th Interlocking at MP 1.0 to the new CREATE P2 Interlocking at CP 74th. The project may include but is not limited to new crossovers, the rehabilitation of bridges, reconstruction of retaining walls, modifications to existing stations, and other improvements to facilitate train movements onto the new 3rd main line track. This project may also include the extension of the 49th Street Yard, new yard facilities, and other improvements to increase the capacity of operations at the 49th Street Yard. Additional improvements include signaling and grade crossing improvements from Gresham to Joliet as well as an improved Joliet station platform for Metra and Amtrak use.
*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.
*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
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.
