CTA Unveils New Phase For Red-Purple Bypass

CHICAGO (CBS) -- CTA trains have been using the Red-Purple Bypass at Belmont for three months now.

On Monday, city leaders officially marked the project's completion, as they announced the next big CTA project.

The Red-Purple Bypass is the first of the $2 billion modernization plans. Brown, Red and Purple Line trains no longer have to wait for each other to cross the junction at Belmont.

The CTA announced a new project to improve the 100-year-old tracks between Belmont and Cornelia. It will allow for faster trains and better service.

"Continuing operating a busy rail line through outdated infrastructure results in high maintenance cost, and the need for frequent repairs that disrupt service and slow travel," said Dorval Carter, President of the CTA.

"If we don't have good public transit, we don't have a local economy," said 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney.

"It is only fitting that as a world class city, we have a world class transportation system. One that connects neighborhoods and removes barriers to access by getting residents and visitors where they need to go, on time, in a way that is simple and affordable," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Demolition begins next month on the tracks with the project being finished in 2025.

In:
• Belmont
• Chicago Transit Authority