CTA readies for station renovation and Orange Line trackwork

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) next week will begin major work on the rehabilitation of the Harrison Red Line station and the Orange Line's 18th Street Connector, as part of a larger $92 million transportation investment in the Near South Side.

 

The $10-million Harrison Red Line station rehabilitation, to begin April 14, will provide a brighter, cleaner and safer travel environment for the 1.4 million people who use the Harrison station each year.

Improvements will include structural and cosmetic repairs that will upgrade the 70-year-old facility and its three entrances, following tunnel lighting improvements and painting completed at the station last year. The rehabilitation work includes building two main entrance canopies, waterproofing to reduce pooling of water in mezzanine and platform areas; installation of new granite flooring; new lighting and repairs to all three station stairways.

This project is funded solely with tax increment financing available through Mayor Emanuel’s Chicago Neighborhoods Now program.

Work on the Orange Line’s 18th Street Connector, which was built 45 years ago and carries Orange Line trains to and from the Loop, will begin April 18. The $25-million project will make significant repairs to the half-mile structure that will provide a smoother, more reliable ride for customers.

The project work will include painting, structural improvements, waterproofing and trackwork, which includes the replacement of worn crossties and components.

The Orange Line had more than 8.8 million station entries in 2013 and connects the Chicago Loop with Midway International Airport.

Project funding for the 18th Street Connector project is a mix of Illinois Department of Transportation funds and local tax-increment financing made available through Mayor Emanuel’s Chicago Neighborhoods Now program.

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