CTA awards $17 million design contract for Blue Line Forest Park Branch
The gist
Chicago Transit Board approved a $17 million contract for track design on the Blue Line's Forest Park Branch.
Most of the branch is a slow zone, so the work targets faster rides.
How it unfolded
- 2023The first phase of the Forest Park Branch Rebuild began, covering track and drainage renewals between UIC-Halsted and Illinois Medical District stations plus a modernization and accessibility rebuild of the Racine station.
- 2023That first phase was completed, including a $268 million rebuild of three miles of track between the Illinois Medical District and LaSalle Station downtown.
- Oct 27, 2026The Chicago Transit Board approved awarding a contract for remaining track design work on the Forest Park Branch from the Illinois Medical District station to the I-290 Bridge.