Chicago unveils 95th Street transit plan as part of billions in ongoing investments

The Chicago Plan Commission has adopted a blueprint for transit-oriented development to complement projects that are bolstering mass transit in a historically Black and low-income part of the city.

The 95th Street Corridor plan for Equitable Transit-Oriented Development includes a roadmap for types of new dwellings and mixed-use developments to build near stops along a two-mile stretch of 95th Street in the South Side of Chicago between Halsted Street on the west and Cottage Grove Avenue on the east.

The plan promotes walkable, mixed-use development near train stations and major bus lines that provide amenities for nearby residents to live, work and play in the community without needing a car.

The plan was funded through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning and city funding.

The Chicago Transit Authority and the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development commissioned the plan, which builds on the Red-Line Extension Transit-Supportive Development Plan adopted in 2023.

“The 95th Street Corridor Plan lays the foundation for how we will equitably develop and strengthen our communities so that all residents can access vital opportunities, services, and the ability to thrive,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

“I look forward to implementing this plan and continuing our investments in the safety and vibrancy of our communities.”

Recent and upcoming improvements that total several billion dollars in major transit investments will benefit the 95th Street Corridor. They include:

• The CTA’s 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line Station & Terminal Improvements completed in 2019 ($280 million).
• CTA’s Red Line Extension (RLE) from 95th/Dan Ryan to 130th Street ($5.75 billion).
• Metra’s rehabilitation of the 95th Street/Chicago State University Metra Electric station ($56 million).
• The CTA/Pace South Halsted Bus Corridor Enhancement Project and Pace Pulse South Halsted Line Project ($45 million).
• Pace Pulse 95th Street Line ($20 million).

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Cards84664 via Wikimedia Commons
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