More than six decades after the idea to extend the Chicago Transit Authority’s busy Red Line first surfaced, the extension took concrete steps toward reality on Friday.
The first shovel-fulls of earth were turned by community activists and politicians at 115th Street and Michigan Avenue, which will be one of four “L” stations along the route.
“This is a generational investment,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “It’s going to open up our economy to the Far South Side of Chicago.”
It was Johnson, who, along with the CTA, were forced to fight the Trump administration to restore federal funding to the project, which was taken away as part of the president’s pledge to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
The project, which was approved in the final days of the Biden administration, will extend the Red Line south from the 95th Street station to 130th Street. It will run 5.6 miles and cost an estimated $5.7 billion dollars.
Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., said the extension will make the region much more viable.
“Its been underfunded, its been delayed. Its been denied way too long. This neighborhood has been economically asphyxiated,” he said.
Marc Pullins, who runs the community group Roseland Matters, said the project will connect residents on the Far South Side to jobs, medical care and the downtown.
“We have done everything we can to help the community, but transportation to the downtown and the North Side is highly needed down here,” he said.
Not far from the groundbreaking site, which once contained a grocery store and a bowling alley, sits Isaiah Christmas’ barber shop.
The owner said he is looking forward to a bump in business.
“As far as revenue, its going to bring a lot of revenue to the neighborhood.” he said. “There is a lot of youth that will probably get jobs and they will be able to afford haircuts.”
While at least one activist is threatening to block the construction unless more residents from the neighborhood are hired, most people who attended the groundbreaking said they have been looking forward to this project all their lives.
Supporters who have passed were remembered with a balloon release, while the congressman who helped secure the funding said the time to build is now.
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., said, the president’s decision to halt the project was illegal and unconstitutional.
“My attitude is get this done as fast as you can,” Quigley said.
