CTA Celebrates Austin Green Line Station Reconstruction Project Groundbreaking
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
CTA Austin Green Line Station
Courtesy of CTA
CHICAGO - The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) held a groundbreaking ceremony as it begins major accessibility project work on the Austin Green Line station. The work comes as part of it's All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP).
The Austin Green Line station was opened in 1899 and was last upgraded in 1962. The CTA will close the main entrance to the station in June to allow for project work to begin. Crews will continue to work into early 2026 and install a new elevator and escalator that connects to the platform, reconstruct the stairs and a new ADA ramp, extend the platform, and complete other enhancements and upgrades to the station.
The CTA states the project to make the station accessible to those with disabilities will cost $25 million to reconstruct. Funding for the project comes from the Surface Transportation Program (STP) and the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. STP reportedly provided $20.3 million, and Rebuild Illinois provided $5.3 million. In total, the project has received a budget of $25.6 million.
Funding has been secured for all stations in Phase One of the ASAP Plan and around half of the stations in Phase Two. For Phases Three and Four, the CTA is still seeking out sources of funding. Additionally, the CTA reports it has secured $37 million in funds to replace elevators and make other modernization enhancements. It is working to “complete an inventory of these elevator conditions to be able to put construction packages together for future project work.”
“For too long, inaccessible CTA rail stations have limited opportunities to those in the communities we serve,” said CTA Acting President Leerhsen. “The start of this project work is the first major milestone in the year ahead for CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program, which will include the opening six newly accessible rail stations across the City – and demonstrates our commitment to making public transit work for everyone.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said, “Today’s groundbreaking at Austin Station represents our shared commitment to equity across Chicago. . . Accessibility is not a luxury nor is it optional; it is a fundamental right. I am proud that when completed this project will transform daily life for residents with disabilities who rely on public transit. I am deeply grateful to Senator Duckworth for her advocacy and determination to secure vital federal funding for this station, and my administration looks forward to continued partnership as we make a more accessible Chicago for everyone.”
