METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

CTA Begins Engaging Community to Activate New Spaces Under Red Line Tracks

This space has become available as part of the $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project now underway.

CTA Begins Engaging Community to Activate New Spaces Under Red Line Tracks

The CTA announced in April 2023 that the agency would remove the 100-year-old embankment as part of the RPM project, creating an opportunity to give to the community new, open space underneath Red and Purple Line tracks between W Lawrence and W Ardmore avenues.

Photo: METRO

2 min to read


With more than one mile of new, open space under newly built CTA Red and Purple Line elevated tracks coming on line, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced the kickoff of an interactive community engagement process with Edgewater and Uptown neighborhood residents to determine how to activate those areas for the benefit of the community.

This space has become available as part of the $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project now underway.

Ad Loading...

The CTA announced in April 2023 that the agency would remove the 100-year-old embankment as part of the RPM project, creating an opportunity to give to the community new, open space underneath Red and Purple Line tracks between W Lawrence and W Ardmore avenues.

CTA to Hold Public Meetings

To begin the conversation of how to develop the space following the completion of the project, CTA announced it will hold the first of a series of public meetings on Jan. 10 and 11, 2024.

CTA has brought on Site Design Group to guide the development of a Lawrence-to-Bryn Mawr block-by-block plan to activate new community space under the CTA tracks.

“Working with the community to enhance public spaces under the new Red Line is an example of how CTA aims to create focal points in the communities we serve,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We want to hear from the community on they would like to see to create useful and appealing community spaces for residents and customers to enjoy.”

Community Engagement Process

There will be 10 blocks under the new Red Line elevated track structure that could be activated and include amenities such as additional neighborhood parking and open-air community space.

Ad Loading...

The CTA is inviting residents, customers, elected officials, and community groups including the Uptown United/Uptown Chamber of Commerce and Edgewater Chamber of Commerce for input into this activation process.

CTA will hold three sets of community meetings starting in January through the summer of 2024 to collect the public’s ideas, formulate concepts for each block, and determine how to roll out the development with partner agencies and organizations in the community.

Topics:CTARail

More Rail

A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
Carmen C. Cham of HNTB
Managementby Alex RomanApril 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.

Read More →
A Red Line Rendering
Railby StaffApril 27, 2026

Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site

The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Trains at railroad crossings
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

Read More →
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.

Read More →
WMATA 7000-series railcars at Navy Yard
Managementby StaffApril 24, 2026

WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares

While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Denver RTD's A Line with passengers
Railby StaffApril 23, 2026

Denver's RTD Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the A Line

With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.

Read More →
Passengers on a public transit vehicle.
Railby StaffApril 21, 2026

Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Program for Transit, Rail Investments

The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

Read More →
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Railby StaffApril 21, 2026

USDOT Announces $6.7B for Northeast Corridor, Nationwide Rail Upgrades

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety; the American family; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, according to a press release.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A picture of a San Diego MTS railcar and bus at a transit station.
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps

The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.

Read More →