CTA’s Red Line South Project Creates 1,500 jobs
Special Correspondent: CTA Media Relations
The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line South Reconstruction Project created more than 1,500 jobs— including 500 good-paying, permanent positions providing local jobs to Chicagoans. The historic project, which was completed last weekend, rebuilt the 10.2-mile stretch between Cermak-Chinatown and 95th Street and upgraded eight stations along the rail line.
The $425 million project was one of the largest projects in the CTA’s history and represents a significant investment in both the ongoing modernization of Chicago’s transit system and in the city’s South Side communities that are served by the CTA’s busiest rail line. The permanent jobs created by the Red Line South project include more than 400 bus operators, who drove the free South Side shuttles that were part of the project’s major alternative service plan during the construction. Those bus operators will remain with the CTA, filling vacancies from retirements and attrition.
Additionally, some painters and electricians who were hired as part of the project’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) outreach, will continue with two project subcontractors—Vision Painting and Decorating Services and Aldridge Electric, respectively. WIA is a federal program designed to provide opportunities to individuals who qualify as displaced, out of work, or otherwise economically disadvantaged. Additional permanent jobs include nearly 100 traffic control aides by the City’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
“This project provided the CTA with the unique opportunity to bring a brand new railroad to the South Side, while providing a major investment in the South Side through job creation and long-term economic benefits for the communities and businesses along the Red Line South corridor,” said CTA Board Chairman Terry Peterson.
The result of those efforts included 29 percent DBE participation in track work and 40 percent in station upgrade work. Approximately $56.4 million in construction work was awarded to African-American firms and contractors. Next year, the CTA will begin construction of a new 95th Street Terminal, a $240 million project that will expand and upgrade the 95th/Dan Ryan station, connecting Far South Side communities to job centers throughout the region and serving as a transit gateway for the South Side and suburbs.
CTA Looks to Engage Community in 95th Street Terminal Project
Following its July 15 meeting, the CTA Board approved a contract awarded to locally-based international artist Theaster Gates in an historic public artwork project on the city's South Side. In preparation for the Red Line 95th Street Terminal Reconstruction, the CTA and Theaster Gates Studio will host five community meetings, one on the West Side and four on the South Side near the 95th Street Terminal. The meetings will take place between October and December to engage community residents, architects and designers.
The 95th Street Terminal is a major gateway to Chicago's South Side, and one of CTA's busiest rail stations with 24-hour Red Line service and approximately 20,000 customers on an average weekday. This community initiative will include the incorporation of 10 new jobs for community residents as well as the establishment of an apprenticeship program, providing skill development and training to area students.
Goal: To obtain community residents suggestions and \or comments on what type of art work they would like to see Mr. Gates erect in the 95th Street terminal when we build the new station. The meeting dates and locations are listed below: Saturday, November 2, 10:00AM - 12:00PM, Chicago State University, 9501 South King Drive; Monday, December 9, 5:30PM - 7:30PM, St. James AME Church, 9256 South Lafayette Avenue (Chicago) and Tuesday, December 17, 5:30PM - 7:30PM, Chicago Park District, Abbott Park, 49 East 95th Street. - Thanks, Gerald Nichols, Project Consultant Government & Community Relations, Chicago Transit Authority, gnichols@transitchicago.com.
