CTA Unveils Plans For Red Line Overhaul

Southern portion of tracks to be closed for five months

Thousands of Chicago commuters are bracing for the biggest construction projects in CTA history.

Chicago Transit Authority officials released details Thursday for the shutting down and rebuilding portions of the Red Line this spring.

The Red Line tracks and stations will be overhauled south on the 10-mile stretch from Cermak-Chinatown to 95th Street starting in May and for five months afterward. A total on nine stations will be affected in the $425 million project.

CTA officials say the end result will be "faster commutes, smoother rides and better reliability."

The portion of the Red Line that will be affected carries around 250,000 passengers a day.

Most riders will have to walk to other stations along the Green Line, which will essentially serve as the Red Line from Roosevelt to Garfield.

The CTA will also coordinate services with Pace, Metra and the Regional Transportation Authority to provide other options for passengers. Shuttle buses will also be provided. (Click here for service alternative.)

Officials say once the tracks -- which were built in 1969 -- are replaced, it will shave up to 20 minutes off the round-trip between 95th Street and Roosevelt.

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