By Diane Pathieu, abc7chicago.com
A years-long project to upgrade two of the CTA’s busiest lines is about to get a big infusion of cash from the federal government.
It is an $1.1 billion to fund what officials call the RPM, the Red and Purple Line Modernization project.
The federal funding will help rebuild the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations and a mile of tracks and structures. The Purple Line stops all the way to Linden will be improved, too.
The work will be completed in phases. The first will tackle the Red/Purple bypass and the Lawrence to Bryn Mawr section.
“This type of investment in transit is an investment in Chicago’s residents and neighborhoods, connecting them to jobs, education and more. I want to commend everyone who worked throughout this process to make this project a reality,” said Mayor Emanuel.
It’s the largest capital project in CTA history and will create an estimated 6,000 jobs.
“This historic funding agreement for the Red and Purple Lines is great news for CTA customers, because we can now move forward with one of the biggest modernization projects in CTA history and follow through with our promise to reduce crowding and increase station accessibility,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr.
The Chicago City Council approved the creation of a Tax-Increment Financing District in November 2016 that will generate $622 million to support the first phase of the Red and Purple Modernization project.
