Project Management Oversight (PMO) Capital Projects
The RTA is responsible for ensuring that the Service Boards are spending capital funds and managing their capital projects effectively and efficiently. The RTA conducts periodic project reviews with Service Board project managers to ensure that capital projects are being implemented according to scope, on schedule, within budget and according to established project management guidelines.
Each project listed below is being actively monitored by RTA’s PMO team. Reporting data is provided that includes, Project Start Date, Project End Date, Budget Status, Schedule Status and Current Activities. These projects are also part of the overall Regional Capital Program which can be viewed separately here.
PMO also produces semi-annual reports that cover all projects that are being monitored. These reports can be found on the Project Management Oversight site. The latest report is the December 2024 Project Management Oversight report.
| Toggle | Agency | Project Title | Asset Category | Mode | 2025 Funding | 2025-2029 Funding | Status | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| + | CTA | Forest Park: Phase 1 - Racine Station and Morgan Substation & Hermitage Traction Power Improvements | Track & Structure | Rail | $15,929,073 | $15,929,073 | Behind Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The CTA's Forest Park Blue Line Upgrades Project is the first of four phases of the Forest Park Branch. This project will provide for new trackwork from Halsted to IMD, an accessible station at Racine, advanced utility work, and a new substation and traction power equipment upgrades at Hermitage. This work will enhance service quality via speed, reliability, and comfort, and improve operational efficiency on the Forest Park Branch of CTA's rapid transit Blue Line service.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
Construction activities are ongoing. The contractor continued working on the Racine directional bore drilling by performing excavation at the receiving pit on the IDOT embankment. Work continued on the Morgan substation bridge level extension slab and the slab was poured in April. This work was needed to close the gap between the bridge and the Morgan substation. Activities related to Racine Stationhouse entrance fiberglass insulation of plumbing, lighting and air barriers are ongoing. The contractor also continued performing the rough in conduit and plumbing piping and electrical work at the intermediate level of the Racine Stationhouse as well as installing ceiling framing, mechanical and rough-in electrical for the customer service kiosk. Equipment testing is ongoing at Hermitage substation.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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| + | Metra | Ties & Ballast MET | Track & Structure | Rail | $14,652,500 | $59,872,794 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
These projects fund capital renewal activities related to maintaining safe conditions along the right of way, including but not limited to the replacement of track ties, the cleaning or replacement of ballast, and the replacement of switch components and heaters. Periodically replacing ties and ballast is necessary to maintain proper track gauge and surface conditions. These projects fund improvements on Metra’s BNSF Line, the Metra Electric District, Milwaukee District, and Rock Island District and related rail yard facilities.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
Major elements for this project includes ironworkers; track, signal and utilities work. Track and structure improvements were completed during this reporting period and is 95% complete. Site cleanup remains.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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| + | Metra | Central Warehousing | Support Facilities & Equipment | Rail | $10,925,000 | $20,700,000 | Behind Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
Metra acquired an existing warehouse facility to develop a centralized warehouse for materials that support the activities of the commuter railroad system. The central warehouse will combine 4 existing buildings that are overcrowded and create efficiencies by allowing Metra to buy in bigger quantities and lower freight delivery costs. Renovations will continue as part of a multi-year, phase-funded project. The project will create a storage area for capital material purchase for equipment overhaul currently stored outside in yards. Areas of the existing warehouse will be utilized by Metra Police, which may include but are not limited to consolidating the storage of documents and assets, providing space for training functions, and adding new facilities to increase security preparedness.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
The property acquisition, environmental site assessment, interior demolition, parking lot paving, fencing and roof rehabilitation were previously completed. The 30% design on the interior build out of the building is in progress and it is scheduled to be completed by the end of May. Once the 30% design is finalized Metra will make a decision whether to move forward with progressing the design to 100%.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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| + | CTA | Replace video system 3200 and 5000-Series railcars | Rolling Stock | Rail | $10,050,000 | $10,150,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
Replace the existing video system on the 5000-series rail cars which is obsolete and no longer supported by the vendor. Replace existing video system on the 3200-series rail cars with a more reliable system. Useable components removed from the 3200s will be re-used to support the same system on the 2600-seriese rail cars.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
CTA finalized the procurement process and the contract was awarded to Railhead Corporation. The contractor completed the design and began delivery of pre-production video recorder kits. The installation of the system of the system in the first unit (2 cars) is ongoing. The installation of the remaining preproduction units will continue.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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| + | Pace | Fixed Route Hybrid Buses | Rolling Stock | Bus | $9,600,000 | $9,600,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
Replace diesel buses with 35-foot and 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses. This funding will allow Pace to transition to low-emission, cleaner vehicles, while the agency continues facility upgrades to accommodate ZEBs as part of the agency’s goal of operating a 100% ZEB fleet by 2040.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
Pace awarded the contractor for the purchase of the replacement and expansion 40FT hybrid-electric buses in October 2024. Pace finalized the projects delivery schedule with deliveries expected to start in July 2025 and final delivery in November 2025.
The contract was executed in February 2025 for the purchase of thirty-three 35FT hybrid-electric buses. Pace met with the vendor to confirm the production and delivery schedule. The vendor confirmed that production of the buses is scheduled to start in Q1-2026 and final delivery expected in July 2026.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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| + | CTA | All Station Accessibility Program - California Station | Stations & Passenger Facilities | Rail | $7,509,669 | $7,509,669 | Behind Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project with provide for the renovation and expansion of the California Station. It will include a new platform, new emergency exist stairs and two new elevators. The station will be 100% ADA accessible. In addition, state of good repair work will be performed as part of the station renovation.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
The design for this project has been completed. CTA has prepared a construction bid package, and it is currently being advertised. Bids are due in June 2025.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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| + | Metra | Bridge 86 - 78th St Entrance | Track & Structure | Rail | $7,200,000 | $32,635,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
Engineering Design, construction, and related services for the replacement of Bridge 86 on the Rock Island (RI) Line will be funded by this project. Bridge 86 dates back to 1916 and spans 78th Street at milepost 8.62 in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago. Contemporary construction methods will allow two-track service to be maintained during the bridge replacement. The replacement abutment wall at the south end of the bridge will include ground-floor space for a leasable storefront, a new staircase, and an elevator. The elevator and stairs will provide an accessible pathway from 79th Street to the new Auburn Park station boarding platforms and headhouse. This project is a necessary component of the new Auburn Park station project.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
The designer for the bridge and entrance submitted the 100% design and was reviewed by Metra. Constructability review was completed and bid documents are under review to begin the procurement for construction.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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| + | Metra | 96th Ave. Bridge | Track & Structure | Rail | $6,655,000 | $6,655,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project funds the replacement of Bridge 275 on Metra’s Rock Island District. The 94-year-old bridge spans over 96th Avenue in Mokena at milepost 27.5.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
This project is in the final design development phase. The 90% design has been completed, and it is advancing to 100% completion. The permitting process for construction has been started with the Village of Mokena.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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| + | Metra | CREATE - 75th CIP Rock Island District Connection | Track & Structure | Rail | $6,518,000 | $6,518,000 | Behind Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project will provide engineering for the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (CIP) that will relieve rail congestion by separating freight and passenger rail lines in the City of Chicago. The eventual construction phases will construct a flyover to connect Metra Southwest Service (SWS) to the Rock Island (RID) Line at 73rd Street. Constructing the project will eliminate a major conflict point between Metra and freight trains, and train idling will be reduced. This funding represents Metra’s contribution to the project, other project partners within CREATE will contribute additional funding.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
The design development is advancing to 90%. Coordination with a Norfolk Southern project is ongoing. Work is progressing on Right-of-Way assessment and property acquisition assessment. There was also an executed change order to add a pedestrian tunnel for the project. Finally, the Forest Hill Flyover construction work continued during this reporting period.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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| + | Metra | CREATE EW-2 Bridge Lift | Track & Structure | Rail | $4,600,000 | $4,600,000 | Behind Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project involves lifting a bridge between 78th Street and 79th Street on Metra’s Rock Island Line. The bridge spans over three sets of railroad tracks owned by The Belt Railway of Chicago and Norfolk Southern in Chicago at milepost 8.7. This project is a necessary component of the new Auburn Park station project.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
The design for the project has been completed. Metra advertised the construction procurement and received only one bid. The proposed cost exceeded the allocated construction budget for the project. Metra decided to re-design the project to reduce the risk off of the potential contractor and attract more bids. A change order has been issued to the designer. The re-design has been completed, a new procurement package has been developed and advertised. The bids are expected in June 2025.
Last Updated 06.10.2025 |
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