Forest Park Branch Rebuild
Led by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the Forest Park Branch Rebuild is a multi-phased investment to make service along the Forest Park Branch of the Blue Line faster, safer, more reliable, and more accessible for riders.
This effort includes:
Meeting modern accessibility guidelines by rebuilding 7 rail stations
Eliminating slow zones and flooding in nearby communities by replacing the entire track bed and drainage system
Meeting current and future ridership demands by upgrading the electrical system that powers the trains
Completed Projects
As part of the Forest Park Branch Rebuild effort, CTA has completed improvements at the Des Plaines Rail Yard as well as 15,000 feet of track improvements between LaSalle and Illinois Medical District.
Ongoing Project Spotlight: Racine Station Rebuild
Work on Racine Station has already begun. Improvements include a new elevator, a longer platform, and new stairs as part of the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP).
The new main entrance on Racine reopened in fall 2025 and work is beginning on the Loomis Street auxiliary entrance.
Additional Ongoing Projects
Prior to the rebuild effort, CTA completed the Blue Line Forest Park Branch Feasibility/Vision Study in 2017.
This study outlined a long-term planning strategy for the Forest Park Branch, with study limits including the entire branch from Clinton Station to Forest Park Station. The study also evaluated potential expansion alternatives proposed by the Illinois Department of Transportation through the adjacent I-290 Environmental Impact Statement Study.
CTA is also working on:
The Morgan Substation and associated traction power improvements
Advancing work on construction on track improvements from Kedzie-Homan Station to Pulaski Station
Pulaski Station improvements as part of ASAP
