CTA Celebrates RPM Phase One Project’s New, Fully-Accessible Stations
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of CTA
CHICAGO - Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) opened the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations.
The station upgrades were part of the $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project, according to CTA. This is the largest completed investment in the transit agency’s history, and it celebrated with the commemorative “first ride” between Berwyn and Bryn Mawr.
Upgrades made include ADA-accessible elevators, escalators, and wider platforms; better lighting and security; smoother train service and decrease in crowding on platforms; original artwork installed at each station; and real-time information boards. The new stations are also larger than the previous 100-year-old facilities.
RPM Phase One has three components. First is the reconstruction of the four aforementioned stations as well as replacing six track-miles. The track structure was estimated to be 100 years old. Crews worked to replace the track and signal system. New support structures, bridges, and viaducts are also built along the Lawrence to Bryn Mawr corridor. The second component is a Red-Purple Bypass construction and reconstruction of the Red and Purple Line track structure between Belmont and Newport/Cornelia. The third and final major component is the installation of a new signal system. This will be on 23 track miles between Howard and Belmont.
Underneath the ‘L’ tracks, CTA states it will continue construction work “of newly created under-L spaces.” With construction expected to end in 2027, these plans consist of developing 10 blocks of open space under the new Red and Purple Line tracks between Lawrence and Ardmore avenues. In this area, there will be a pedestrian trail, playground, benches, dog parks, and a “flexible-use plaza space for community events.”
Acting President Nora Leerhsen said, “It was wonderful to welcome CTA riders today to our brand new, fully accessible Red Line stations and to showcase the RPM team’s hard work to modernize and improve rail service for the people who visit, live in, and work in these communities. . . I am grateful to the people in the neighborhoods that these stations will serve – including the residents, businesses, and local elected officials that have partnered with us during construction – for their support. Now is the time to celebrate together the access and opportunity that these new, breathtaking stations will provide.”
