Red Ahead
| Company type | Public transit infrastructure projects |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Chicago, Illinois |
| Products | Rail line modernization, station refurbishment, track reconstruction, rail line extension |
In early 2012, the Chicago Transit Authority initiated the Red Ahead program, concentrating on the refurbishment of stations and tracks along the North Side Main Line, commonly referred to as the "Red North" initiative. This effort focuses on specific sections of the Red Line, while excluding stations such as Loyola, Bryn Mawr, Sheridan, and Wilson. Additionally, stations located between Wilson and Fullerton as well as those within the State Street subway are not part of this project.
Starting in May 2012, CTA began upgrades at several North Side Main Line stations including Jarvis, Morse, Granville, Thorndale, Berwyn, Argyle, and Lawrence. This segment was incorporated into the Red Ahead's "Red and Purple Modernization Phase One Project," with construction commencing in June 2012 and concluding by December of the same year.
Red North Project
Unveiled in November 2011 as part of the Red Line Capital Investment program, the Red North Project had a total allocation of $86 million, with Kiewit Infrastructure receiving a contract valued at $57.4 million. The scope included modernization of seven stations: Granville, Morse, Thorndale, Argyle, Berwyn, Lawrence, and Jarvis. Renovation activities began at Granville on June 1, 2012, and wrapped up at Jarvis by December 13, 2012. The project also removed slow zones caused by aging track infrastructure, thereby enhancing operational performance.
Red and Purple Modernization Phase One Project
This extensive $2.1 billion initiative, funded in January 2017, entails a comprehensive reconstruction of the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr stations alongside the development of a new Red-Purple Bypass. Construction activities started on October 2, 2019, reaching completion on July 20, 2025. The modernization work between Lawrence and Bryn Mawr commenced on May 16, 2021.
Red Line South Reconstruction Project
On May 19, 2013, the Dan Ryan branch was closed for a $425 million Red Line South Reconstruction project aimed at remedying deteriorated tracks that caused delays and overcrowding. Opting for a full shutdown allowed completion within five months rather than an estimated four years if limited to weekend work. The upgrades improved travel times and overall service dependability. Renovations included ADA-compliant enhancements with elevator installations at Garfield, 63rd, and 87th stations—making all Dan Ryan branch stations accessible. During the closure period, Red Line trains were rerouted via the South Side Elevated line to Ashland/63rd, while Green Line trains served Cottage Grove. A complimentary shuttle bus connected Garfield and Dan Ryan stations south of 63rd Street as well as Roosevelt and Cermak-Chinatown. The refurbished branch along with nine stations reopened on October 20, 2013 at 4 a.m.
Red Line Extension Project
Efforts to extend the Red Line southward from 95th Street have been underway since 2006. The CTA initially explored nine potential routes, including alternatives along the medians of the Bishop Ford Freeway and Interstate 57. By April 2007, the agency had narrowed these options to five: two designated for bus rapid transit and three for heavy rail (rapid) transit. The bus rapid transit proposals would extend south from 95th/Dan Ryan via either Halsted Street or Michigan Avenue. Meanwhile, heavy rail alternatives considered corridors along Halsted and Michigan, either underground or elevated, as well as the Union Pacific Railroad corridor with elevated or trench alignments, stretching southeast toward the South Shore Line. In October 2008, the CTA commissioned a $150,000 study focused on extending service from 95th Street to 130th Street in Riverdale.
Alternatives
By December 2008, the federally required Alternatives Analysis Study further refined the options, concentrating on two corridors and transit modes: Halsted Street (offering Bus Rapid Transit or elevated Heavy Rail Transit) and the Union Pacific Railroad corridor (elevated Heavy Rail Transit).
In December 2009, the CTA chose the Union Pacific corridor as the Locally Preferred Alternative. This plan calls for an elevated rail line running between 95th/Dan Ryan and a new terminus at 130th Street. The route would run parallel to both the Union Pacific Railroad and South Shore Line through neighborhoods on Chicago’s Far South Side such as Roseland, Washington Heights, West Pullman, and Riverdale. Proposed stations include stops at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, along with a new yard and maintenance facility near 120th Street. Basic engineering and environmental impact assessments are currently underway to finalize route details and design specifications.
Finalization
In January 2018, the CTA confirmed the finalized alignment for the Red Line Extension. This design features elevated tracks extending from 95th Street to 119th Street, with elevated stations at 103rd, 111th, and Michigan. The station at 130th Street will be constructed at ground level, marking it as the sole at-grade station on this extension. By August 2022, the project had progressed into the Federal Funding Phase. Later that year in December, City Council authorized a special district to generate nearly $1 billion in tax revenue over several decades to finance the extension south of 95th Street—representing a major advancement after many years of delays. The President’s proposed budget for 2024 included $350 million in federal funds dedicated to this initiative, with total anticipated funding exceeding $300 million for that year alone.