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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| + | Metra | Central Warehousing | Support Facilities & Equipment | Rail | $10,925,000 | $20,700,000 | On 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. Metra is currently in the procurement process for a designer for the interior build out of the building.
Last Updated 03.27.2025 |
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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. CTA is working with the contractor to begin specification development.
Last Updated 12.19.2024 |
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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 project is currently in the design phase. The 100% design has been submitted and is currently under review by CTA. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approved the design. CTA is working on acquisition of three properties required for the construction of this project.
Last Updated 03.27.2025 |
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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 design for the bridge and entrance continued to 90% completion. The Task Order amendment for 90% design is in progress.
Last Updated 12.19.2024 |
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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 03.27.2025 |
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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 made a decision 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 and the re-design was completed. The IFB set is under review by IDOT and FHWA.
Last Updated 12.19.2024 |
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| + | Metra | Locomotive Rehab Units 100-149,215,216 | Rolling Stock | Rail | $4,225,000 | $6,225,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
Life-extending rebuilds of diesel-electric locomotives used to pull or push commuter cars will be completed under this project. Project activities include but are not limited to overhauling traction motors and traction alternators, rebuilding turbo chargers, overhauling auxiliary generators and head-end power alternators, and other traction power components. Funds will be utilized for third-party contracts, material purchases, change orders and cost variances, force account charges, liens as required by FTA, as well as audit and oversight activities.
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
During this reporting period, Locomotive 132 was completed and placed in service. Locomotive 120 had the engine and related rotating equipment installed and began main line testing and validation. Locomotive 139 was decommissioned and stripping of the cores has begun, as well as prepping the locomotive for the installation of the rebuilt engine.
Of the projects eighteen (18) Locomotives being rebuilt, Metra has completed and returned to service seven (8) Locomotives to date and are currently working on two (3) locomotives.
Last Updated 03.27.2025 |
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| + | Metra | Systemwide Yard Improvements | Support Facilities & Equipment | Rail | $3,482,000 | $3,482,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project will provide design and construction funds for large-scale yard improvement projects at the various yards utilized by Metra. Sub-projects may include, but may not be limited to, the improvement or replacement of machines and equipment, upgrades to buildings and crew facilities, and the construction of new equipment and systems. Project activities may include, but are not limited to, HVAC and MEP system upgrades, securing hazardous and flammable materials, fire suppression system improvements, track renewal, new crosswalks, and yard platforms, replacing switch machines and components, and other activities. This project will allow for flexibility to implement high-priority yard improvements between districts that are integral to the continuation of Metra’s safe and reliable operations.
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 construction management and construction activities for the CCF project are near completion. Procurements for construction services were rebid out for the 47th St. Coach & Diesel Shop project with NTP issued. The Fox Lake cable reel replacement project started construction as well as for the HVAC replacement system for OTC, Van Buren, and Kensington Yards continued construction activities during this reporting period.
Last Updated 03.27.2025 |
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| + | Metra | Vehicles & Equipment | Support Facilities & Equipment | Rail | $2,250,000 | $4,870,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project provides for the purchase of fleet vehicles and equipment utilized by Metra’s various departments to help service and maintain the system. This project includes, but is not limited to, vehicles used for supervision of fieldwork, small pickup trucks, construction equipment, and other vehicles. Project funds will replace and retire vehicles and equipment in Metra's current fleet that has surpassed its useful life.
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
Procurement activities are in progress. Metra is waiting on delivery of vehicles, including 23 highway vehicles, 48V service carts, three electric vans, seven police vehicles, and ten service vehicles. As of this reporting period, 30 vehicles have been received.
Last Updated 03.27.2025 |
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| + | Metra | Car and Locomotive Cameras | Rolling Stock | Rail | $2,000,000 | $8,000,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project involves the purchase of a digital video recording (DVR) system. The system will replace the 12-year old, obsolete system currently running on Metra’s rolling stock. The new system will allow for video recording of railroad signal aspects and incidents and includes inward-facing cameras and outward-facing, dual-lens cameras.
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 new technology allows recording at a faster frame rate and higher resolution, allowing slowing down the recording to less than real time rates without distortion, blurring, or loss of resolution. Currently, the DVR system is being installed by Metra Forces and passenger cameras are being installed by a vendor. All prototype installations were completed with them running with no issues. The full-scale installation began, and kits started delivery in October 2022. In total, 92 cars were completed, and the project is on-going and continuing installation activities.
Last Updated 12.19.2024 |
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