The extension would be an elevated or subway rapid transit (HRT) corridor along Lawrence from Kimball to Jefferson Park with intermediate stations at Pulaski and Elston. The proposed extension of the Brown Line would provide expedited access for O’Hare employment and air travel trips from Chicago’s north side and other communities along the Brown, Yellow, Purple, and Red Lines. The extension would also serve as a link to the proposed Mid-City Transitway BRT serving the Cicero Avenue corridor thus forming a circumferential transit network serving non-CBD Chicago communities.
Cost: The project is estimated to be completed in 2040. Project capital cost is estimated at $3.7 billion (in 2009$) with annual operating costs of $9 million.
Connectivity: The project directly connects the Brown and Blue Lines, with a connection to the proposed Mid-City Transitway also planned. Numerous CTA bus routes would also feature improved connections due to this project.
Safety and security: Project will provide additional evacuation routes and travel alternatives in the event of an incident to I-90 or O’Hare Airport. Various in-vehicle and station design safety and security measures will be evaluated for inclusion in the project.
Bicycle and pedestrian accommodation: stations will be integrated into existing bicycle and pedestrian travel networks.
Consistency with subregional plans: none identified.
Project status
This project was identified during the Alternatives Analysis process for the Circle Line. The Brown Line extension is in an early stage of planning.
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