Chicago transit authority forest park branch track improvements design

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) a $28.2 million Project Grant on September 22, 2025, under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) to fund design and construction services for the Chicago Transit Authority Forest Park Branch track improvements. The project encompasses miscellaneous maintenance, pavement reconstruction, and track improvements along the I-290 corridor from the CTA flyover east of Des Plaines Avenue to Ogden Avenue. With an ultimate completion date of September 18, 2032, this award reflects the FHWA's investment in multimodal transportation infrastructure improvements supporting Chicago's public transit system.

As a state transportation agency, IDOT serves as the prime awardee responsible for administering the project in coordination with local and regional planning authorities. The funding supports design, engineering, and construction activities that align with the Highway Planning and Construction program's eligible categories, which encompass highway and transit infrastructure preservation, improvement, and related planning services authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This award represents IDOT's demonstrated capacity to manage substantial federal transportation infrastructure investments across Illinois.

Project description

Miscellaneous maintenance, pavement, and track reconstruction on I-290 at the CTA flyover (E of DES plaines AVE) to ogden AVE.