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.
Upgrades and State of Good Repair projects along the Brown Line
+
CTA
Systemwide Track Renewal
Rail
$0
$0
$396,611,635
$396,611,635
Track improvements to address the most immediate critical track needs throughout the CTA rail system
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Rehabilitate Blue Line - Kimball Subway Waterproofing
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Subway Waterproofing & Track - Funding will provide for critical waterproofing patchwork needed to continue rail service through the Blue Line O'Hare branch.. Due to funding restrictions CTA cannot move forward with original scope of work to mitigate water infiltration in the Dearborn subway.
*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
$961,000
$0
$0
$961,000
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$6,824,710
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Work activities under this project are ongoing. The waterproofing and grout injection work is performed by CTA forces whenever single-track access is available.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Green & Pink Line West - Track Improvements
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Green & Pink Line West - Track Improvements (GTT) Tower 18 to the Paulina Connector- Preserve the integrity of Lake St Elevated tracks through replacement of ties, fasteners, footwalks, improved curve geometry, and rail grinding as well as replacing the top flange as necessary.
*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
$1,308,465
$0
$0
$1,308,465
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Red & Blue Line Subway - Track Improvements
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Red & Blue Line Subway - Track Improvements (GTT) - Dearborn Subway Water Management and Track Improvements - This is a targeted project to replace assets that have been deteriorated by water infiltration. Work includes replace select rail, rail fasteners and direct fixation concrete ties, grind 100% of the running rail, and select drainage improvements
*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
$5,639,070
$0
$0
$5,639,070
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Nagle Curve Improvements
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
This project includes removing and replacing existing rail in the Nagle Curve area on the O’Hare Branch of the Blue Line. Project replaces the existing rail with new continuous welded rail at Nagle Curve. The new rail will be set into the existing plates with 100% replacement of double studded pads, heavy duty insulators, and pandrol e-clips. Work also includes a track survey to record the track geometry (profile, alignment, cross level and gauge), clearances, and the location of 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
$75,004
$0
$0
$75,004
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Congress Blue Line - P1 Track
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
The project includes various priority trackwork on the Blue Line Congress branch.
*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
$2,500,000
$0
$0
$2,500,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Third Rail Isolation Demonstration Project
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
CTA utilizes an exposed third rail system to provide power to trains on all revenue and non-revenue tracks. The third rail is typically installed on insulator chairs spaced eight feet apart just outside one of the running rails. CTA's rail cars utilize a “gravity shoe” to collect 600 Volts DC from the top surface of the third rail. In station areas, the third rail is typically located on the opposite side of the track from the station platform – this provides some level of protection from a person falling off the platform and coming in contact with the electrified third rail. Unfortunately, there are incidences when a passenger falls off the platform with sufficient momentum to reach the far side of the track and make contact with the third rail. This proposed project will add additional safety features on the third rail in the vicinity of station platforms.Funding will provide for two technologies: the Third Rail Isolation System and the Third Rail Side Guards (sideboards).The first feature is a safety feature proposed to include the isolation of the third rail through the stations such that when no train is approaching or present at the station, the third rail would be de-energized. This additional feature would include a control device to energize the third rail in the station, and by-pass cables to carry current around the station to feed the third rail outside the station.The second feature would include non-conductive side boards on both sides of the third rail which would reduce the likelihood of a person making contact with the rail. The sideboards would also provide an opportunity to apply warning labels directly on the third rail so as to better direct passengers to the hazard posed by this element. The sideboards would also provide a layer of protection for CTA employees that are required to walk alongside the third rail during maintenance activities.
*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
$1,478,864
$0
$0
$1,478,864
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Congress Line (Fast Tracks)
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
This project will replace rails, bars, plates, and address causes of water infiltration in Dearborn Subway between LaSalle and south portal.
*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
$7,024,058
$0
$0
$7,024,058
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
DC Breakers (Fast Tracks)
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
This project will replace DC breakers in Sacramento, Franklin, and Nagle Substations. This DC breaker replacement may require some changes to the organization of other equipment inside the substation.
*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
$6,571,295
$0
$0
$6,571,295
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
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
+
CTA
Tactical Signal Improvements
Rail
$0
$0
$21,630,000
$21,630,000
State of Good Repair projects and replacing obsolete equipment on CTA rail signal system
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Tactical Traction Power (Equipment/Cable/Enclosures)
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
State of Good Repair projects and replacing obsolete equipment on CTA rail signal 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
$2,125,768
$0
$0
$2,125,768
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$10,293,685
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Permits for the project were received in the last reporting period. Currently, the General Contractor is submitting process plans for start of construction and mobilization on site. Delivery of onsite storage containers is ongoing. CTA is working with the contractor to start the first phase of the project, which is the electrical shop equipment relocation.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
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
Radio System Upgrade
Rail
$0
$0
$64,500,000
$64,500,000
Replacement of obsolete radio system
+
CTA
Tactical Traction Power Improvements (Systemwide)
Rail
$0
$0
$155,739,098
$155,739,098
Traction power substation, third rail replacement and SCADA upgrades
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Systemwide Tactical Traction Power Upgrades (Equipment/Cable/Enclosures)
Electrical, Signal & Communications
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Tactical Traction Power (Equipment/Cable/Enclosures) -The purpose of this project is to implement traction power system improvements that will enable the CTA to continue to meet existing traction power needs, increase traction power capacity to meet future demand, and address state of good repair by repairing or replacing worn or obsolete equipment.
*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
$10,864,902
$0
$0
$10,864,902
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$15,166,629
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The contractor made significant headway during this reporting period and was able to reach substantial completion in July of this year. The contractor was able to finish the final walkthrough inspection and completed all punchlist items and is in contract closeout. This will be the final update on this project.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
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
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
+
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
+
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
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
+
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.