Advance construction work
We will perform two types of prep work this year: Property demolition and the relocation of utility poles and equipment (also known as advance utility relocation).
This work will have some impacts on the community. CTA is committed to providing residents and local businesses with information about the work throughout this year and next year, including what to expect, when to expect it and what we will do to minimize those impacts.
Expected impacts
- Noise – running air compressors, excavators, generators, general construction noise
- Truck traffic
- Street, alley closures
- Sidewalk closures
- Dust
Property demolition work
To build the Red Line Extension, we have acquired properties that are located in the future track alignment.
Demolition of properties is expected to begin late summer or fall 2024 and continue into 2025. Once work dates and plans are finalized, locations and timing will be shared with the public.
The area of this work includes select sites in the area between south of 95th Street to approximately
118th Street.
Contractors will use water and other dust control measures. Multiple adjacent properties will be demolished together to reduce frequency of closures of streets and alleys.
Advance utility relocation
We will relocate utility equipment to clear the way for new track and station construction to avoid delays in the project when major construction is under way. This work is expected to begin this summer and occur throughout the Red Line Extension project area, including sections near the future track alignment in Far South Side communities. The work will include:
- New underground trenches and relocating power and communication lines
- Shorter poles will be installed to provide service to adjacent properties
- Relocating power transformers on poles to underground
The area of this work is located from 95th Street to south of 130th Street.
Contractors intend to complete utility work for multiple utilities in one location to reduce number of street and alley closures.
Security
Safety and security for the community is a top priority, including proactively ensuring that properties that are awaiting demolition are secured and do not become nuisances for neighbors.
To do this, we work closely with a property management company, East Lake Management, that secures and regularly monitors and inspects all CTA-owned properties, addressing any issues that arise and swiftly responding to any questions or concerns raised by community members.
East Lake secures properties by conducting comprehensive site surveys, removing debris, boarding up windows, changing locks, mowing and weed removal graffiti removal, and snow removal. Any issues spotted or reported will be immediately addressed. Any criminal activity that is suspected or observed is immediately reported to Chicago Police.
While we make consistent efforts to be a good neighbor and steward of CTA properties, we strongly encourage neighbors to if they see something, say something by calling East Lake Management at (312) 842-5500. Any illegal or nuisance activity is unacceptable to CTA and we strongly recommend neighbors to call 911 if they believe they are in danger or witness what they believe to be criminal activity.
Construction activity notices (CANs)
As we work hard to build the Red Line Extension, 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 RLE project footprint about work that we will be doing. These Construction Activity Notices (CANs) are also emailed to affected residents and businesses and physically posted in work site areas.
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Public meetings
The RLE Project and upcoming advance construction work were discussed at public meetings on June 18, 25, and 26 of 2024. The public meetings included a presentation by CTA followed by a discussion period, during which members of the public were given the opportunity to asked questions and provided input.
This ward includes future Red Line stations at 103rd (main station entrance) and Michigan/115th
Date and time: Tuesday, June 18, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Pullman Community Center, (10355 S Woodlawn Ave.)
9th Ward public meeting presentation
This ward includes future Red Line stations at 103rd (south auxiliary exit) and 111th
Date and time: Tuesday, June 25 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: RLE Community Office (401 W. 111th St.)
21st Ward public meeting presentation
This ward includes future Red Line station at 130th
Date and time: Wednesday, June 26, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Chicago Public Library, Altgeld Gardens (955 E 131st St.)
10th Ward public meeting presentation
View the announcement: official flyer
American Sign Language was available during the in-person public meeting and Facebook live stream. Spanish interpretation was available via the in-person public meeting only. All locations were also ADA accessible.