Rahm, Quinn Announce Major Red Line Overhaul

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, shown in May during one of his many trips to the 95th Street Red Line station to shake some hands. (Image Credit: slow911)

Mayor Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn announced plans for an additional $646 million in funds to rehab the CTA Red Line this morning.

The line, which runs from Howard out south to 95th Street, shuttles nearly 40 percent of the CTA's rail ridership, but trains on the South Side of the line sometimes slow to 15 MPH, a speed at which a healthy bicyclist could outrun them. The funds are from the state, which brings the total dollar allotment for project at $1 billion. Tracks from 18th Street to 95th will be replaced and three electrical substations will be upgraded to provide stability. The Wilson and Clark/Division stations will undergo extensive overhauls, with stations on the South side receiving lesser upgrades.

Quinn touted the plan as a jobs creator in a press release:

“Since I became Governor I have focused on creating jobs and improving transportation service for our citizens,” Governor Quinn said. “This major investment in the CTA’s Red Line does both. It will quickly put people to work now and improve the quality of life for Chicago residents for years to come by ensuring safe, reliable travel between their jobs, their homes and their families.”

Emanuel added, “Chicago is a city on the move, and we must be able to move our residents with the speed and comfort that mark modern transportation. These investments will make our city a more enticing place to live, to start a business, to raise a family.”