Modernization project for rail terminal on NW side of Chicago begins

CTA

Construction work has begun on a project to modernize the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) nearly 50-year-old Jefferson Park Blue Line Transit Center Terminal.

The transit hub is located on the northwest side of Chicago and provides connections to rail and bus routes, as well as a Metra commuter rail line. The Jefferson Park Terminal is the fourth busiest station along the O’Hare branch. It provided more than 2.1 million rides in 2017. Officials say this project will create a modern terminal that is safer, brighter, cleaner, more comfortable and easier-to-navigate, while visually enhancing the streetscape for surrounding communities.

“The reimagining of the Jefferson Park Transit Center is the next destination in the Your New Blue (YNB) modernization of the O’Hare branch of the Blue Line,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “As with other recent investments in the CTA, this project will transform one of the Blue Line’s busiest transit hubs, improving the overall station environment for bus and train customers for generations to come.”

The $25 million rehabilitation project will include such bus and rail upgrades as:

• Replacement of the bus terminal, making it ADA compliant by widening the loading islands and adding audio assistance.
• Improved customer experience, thanks to new bus and rail station canopies and improved signage.
• New LED Lighting and additional security cameras to enhance overall terminal security for all customers.
• Repairs and refinishing of all station and platform surfaces, along with new exterior painting.

“This station is a vital transit link for the northwest side and this project will allow us to provide our customers with a much-improved travel experience,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter. “By adding these modern amenities and enhancements, Jefferson Park will be a model for what a modern rail and bus terminal can be, especially one that will serve a growing population and tourist traffic for decades to come.”

The work will be done in two phases and the Jefferson Park Transit Center’s rail station renovation is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. All bus station renovation work will be completed by summer of 2019.

The Jefferson Park renovation follows a number of completed Your New Blue projects on the O’Hare branch, including the rehabilitation of eight of 14 stations and track improvements that increase service reliability for customers. YNB is part of the $8 billion in transit investments.