CTA welcomes neighbors to the office, providing in-person opportunities to learn about the RLE project
The CTA’s Red Line Extension (RLE) project today held a grand opening celebration for the new RLE Community Office in Roseland, where residents, businesses, stakeholders and the public can talk with CTA staff about the historic RLE project – from construction to career and small business opportunities.
The new office at 401 W. 111th St. is in the center of the Red Line Extension project area, serving residents and CTA riders in Roseland, Washington Heights, West Pullman and Riverdale. The grand opening event was attended by local residents and community leaders, featuring food, CTA mini-bus rides, music and games.
The CTA in April broke ground on the Red Line Extension, which is the largest transit investment in agency history. It will extend the Red Line from the existing terminal at 95th/Dan Ryan to 130th Street. The 5.5-mile extension will include four new fully accessible stations near 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue, and 130th Street.
“The Red Line Extension is delivering on a promise to the Far South Side and expanding access to jobs, education and opportunity,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “As we build the largest transit investment in CTA history, we are committed to keeping residents informed and connecting them with the opportunities this project creates. This community office puts our team directly in the project area we are serving, making it easier for residents and local businesses to get answers, share ideas and help shape the project’s success.”
“The RLE Community Office will be a tremendous resource to our residents,” said Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley, 21st Ward. “I applaud the CTA for its commitment to the communities the Red Line Extension will serve.”
“The opening of this community office is another important step toward completing the Red Line Extension—a once-in-a-generation investment that will help transform the Far South Side and strengthen the future of our entire city,” said Ald. Anthony A. Beale, 9th Ward. “This office will put information, resources and a voice within reach of residents—helping them understand the project, stay informed and make sure their communities are ready to benefit from the jobs, investment and opportunity it will bring.”
“The opening of the RLE Community Office means that this much-needed mass transit project is well on its way,” said Ald. Peter Chico, 10th Ward. “This new rapid rail service will significantly increase connectivity for people on the Far South Side, include Altgeld Gardens and surrounding neighborhoods, to the rest of the city.”
RLE Community Office events
The Community Office will serve multiple purposes for residents and CTA riders on the Far South Side, including as a central meeting place to share ideas and talk through questions. The office’s uses include:
- Monthly “Workforce Connections” events the first Tuesday of every month to provide personalized guidance for individuals interested in careers in transit and construction (upcoming dates include October 6, November 3, and December 1)
- CTA-hosted events for groups interested in learning more about the project
- Community groups seeking meeting space in the project’s footprint
The office is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment. It will remain open until the RLE project is completed in 2030.
The RLE Community Office complements the project’s regular outreach efforts, which include:
- Community meetings
- Construction Activity Notices online and posted in the communities where work is occurring
- Regular project updates via email and on transitchicago.com/RLE
- RLE social media accounts: @CTARLE on Facebook and Instagram
- RLE ambassadors at many neighborhood events
- Interactive RLE construction map
Project overview
The RLE project will:
- Build a 5.5-mile extension of the Red Line starting at 95th Street Terminal to 130th Street.
- Include four new accessible stations near 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue (near 116th), and 130th Street, each of which will include bus, bike, pedestrian and parking facilities.
- Build a new rail yard and rail maintenance facility to improve operational efficiency for the entire Red Line and CTA system.
- The new extension and stations are expected to be completed and in service in 2030.
For more information about the RLE project, visit transitchicago.com/RLE. The public can sign up for project alerts here.
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