METRA, CTA, and Other Railroad Eminent Domain Projects in Chicago

Ryan & Ryan represented five parcels on State Street in Chicago in condemnation cases filed by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) for the 95th Street Terminal Improvement Project along the Red Line. Ryan & Ryan represented four parcels in Downers Grove for the underpass related to the METRA train station in Belmot Avenue.

We also represented 18 parcels in condemnation cases filed by the CTA for the Brown Line Expansion Project, the Red Line Extension Project, and Purple Modernization Program, primarily located in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods of Chicago. In these eminent domain cases, Ryan & Ryan obtained just compensation for full takings, as well as partial takings and air easements.

Two notable results against the CTA can be found on our Case Studies page (Partial Taking – Surface Parking Lot & Partial Taking – Commercial Building).

CTA announces path for proposed Chicago Red Line route extension

The Chicago Transit Authority has determined a plan to extend the Red Line’s south branch more than five miles. The proposed public transportation route would extend the red line from 95th Street to 130th Street. According to the CTA, the final alignment was reached based on feedback from the community and a desire to acquire as few private properties as possible.

The current plan shows that the CTA may acquire some part or all of over 200 privately owned parcels (Click to view maps and see the parcels that may be affected by the proposed Red Line extension). In addition to 5.6 miles of new track, the extension calls for the creation of four new stations at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue, and 130th Street.

The project is estimated to cost $3.6 billion and will require the CTA to seek financing from both local and federal governmental sources. More information about the CTA Red Line Extension Project can be found here.