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CTA To Recommend Extension of Red, Orange, and Yellow Lines

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Aug 12, 2009 4:20PM

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One of the proposed Red Line south-end extension plans
The CTA staff is expected to present a recommendation today to the CTA board today that would call for the extension of the Red, Orange, and Yellow lines. Per WBBM:

The staff proposes completing the original Orange Line plans by extending the line beyond Midway Airport to Ford City shopping center, 76th Street and Cicero Avenue, and extending the Red Line south to 130th Street from its current southern terminus at 95th Street.

Also suggested is continuing the Yellow Line/Skokie Swift beyond the Dempster Street station, north to Old Orchard shopping center.

Of course, even if the CTA okays the plan (which the Trib indicates should happen), the execution is still several years - and phases - away. Several studies, such as environmental impact, would be required not to mention funding: WBBM reports the cost of the Red Line extension alone would top $1 billion.

The CTA has more information on these proposed extensions on their website.