Chicago: CTA wraps up Red-Purple Bypass, begins North Belmont Red-Purple Reconstruction project

CTA wraps up Red-Purple Bypass, begins North Belmont Red-Purple Reconstruction project
Jan. 25, 2022

Both projects are part of the CTA’s largest reconstruction effort in its history: the $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization Phase One.
Mischa Wanek-Libman


Leaders from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) were joined by city and state dignitaries to celebrate the completion of the Red-Purple Bypass project, as well as the start of the North Belmont Red-Purple Reconstruction project.

Both are part of the CTA’s $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One project, which is the largest reconstruction effort in the authority’s history. RPM will improve rail service reliability, comfort and convenience to customers by modernizing and replacing century-old structures and rail stations from Belmont to Linden in Wilmette, Ill. RPM Phase One includes three major components:

* New Red-Purple Bypass construction followed by the reconstruction of Red and Purple Line track structure between Belmont and Newport/Cornelia.

* Reconstruction of the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations into larger, 100-percent accessible stations and replacement of track structure totaling six track-miles that is nearly a century old. Major track and station reconstruction began in spring 2021 and is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2024.

* Installation of a new signal system on 23 track miles between Howard and Belmont.

“The reconstruction of the Red Line in our transportation and trail system has been long overdue," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "Our city and our residents deserve an easily accessible and reliable CTA commute, and I’m thrilled to see the continued improvement and modernization of one of the busiest 'L' lines. I’m proud of the progress CTA has made with the RPM project and beyond confident this bypass will benefit every single person who uses our transit system in the city.”

RPM Phase One executed a $956.6-million Full Funding Grant Agreement with Federal Transit Administration under the Obama Administration in January 2017. The balance of the project is being funded with Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Funds, CTA funds and two different Tax-Increment Financing District revenues. ...............(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/article/21254371/cta-wraps-up-redpurple-bypass-begins-north-belmont-redpurple-reconstruction-project