RPM Phase One Project overview: 2023
Better CTA service is coming! We have begun the transformational Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project. The modernization project has many steps, and it is important to know when and how you may be affected. Sign up for construction impact alerts in your community here. Click here for Construction Activity Notices related to this project.
Red-Purple Bypass, four-month project lookahead, January 19, 2023
Lawrence to Bryn Mawr, four-month project lookahead, January 26, 2023
New! Interactive construction project map
Red-Purple Bypass
We completed construction of a new Red-Purple Bypass bridge in 2021. The bypass is a new track bridge that carries Kimball-bound Brown Line trains over Red and Purple Line tracks north of Belmont, easing train congestion and improving service for our customers.
Since finishing the bypass, we have begun rebuilding the century-old Red and Purple Line tracks underneath the bypass, between Belmont and between Cornelia and Newport. Currently, we are rebuilding the southbound Red and Purple Line elevated track structure; starting next year, we'll then rebuild the northbound structures. While this work is happening, we have also been rehabilitating the century-old Brown Line elevated structure in the area to modernize it. The new Purple and Red Line tracks are expected be completed by 2025, providing smoother and more comfortable rides for our customers. See the latest construction activity notices by clicking here.
Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization
Work on reconstruction of four Red Line stations and elevated track structures began in 2021. The Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization Project activities include the demolition of stations, track bridges and structure and partial embankment; construction of new track foundations, new elevated track bridge via a gantry system (right, at W Argyle Avenue) and four new Red Line stations. In 2021, we began "Stage A", which is rebuilding the northbound CTA Red and Purple Line tracks. In 2023, we'll complete Stage A and begin Stage B, which will rebuild the southbound Red and Purple Line tracks -- and four Red Line stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr that will be modern, fully accessible and feature original artwork reflective of the local community. The new stations are expected to open by 2025.
See the latest construction activity notices by clicking here.
Construction activity notices (CANs)
As we work hard to modernize the system for our riders, we know that our construction can and does affect people who live and work nearby. This is why we provide advanced notice to communities in the RPM project footprint about work that we will be doing. Construction Activity Notices (CANs) that we have issued for RPM Phase One work can be found here (scroll down the page). They are also emailed to affected residents and businesses and physically posted in work site areas.
Note: The above includes only Construction Activity Notices related to the RPM Program as an added courtesy during the program, and does not include those related to regular maintenance to our structure or tracks, even in the area of where RPM work is taking place. Other types of Construction Activity Notices are distributed locally, only.