CTA to reopen four rebuilt Red Line stations July 20; part of $2.1 billion modernization project

Chicago Construction News staff writer

Four CTA Red Line stations on the Far North Side will officially reopen for service on Sunday, July 20, after years of construction tied to the $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) project, the system’s largest reconstruction effort to date.

RPM has rebuilt Red Line stations that were more than a century old into new, fully accessible and modern stations with elevators and escalators. The project has also included full reconstruction of the Red and Purple Line Express track structure and the installation of a new signal system that combined will provide smoother, quieter and more reliable rides for CTA customers. Major project construction will be completed this year.

“With the RPM improvements, the Red Line on the North Side is more accessible to all Chicagoans, providing residents and working families with convenient and reliable transit that connects people across our great city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Red Line is the backbone is critical to our economic vibrancy, which is why I am proud to support investments like RPM and the future Red Line Extension Project on the Far South Side.”

It’s the first time that this many stations have opened simultaneously since the Orange Line in 1993.

The new stations are located at:

Lawrence: 1120 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

Argyle: 1118 W. Argyle St. Chicago, IL 60640

Berwyn: 1119 W. Berwyn St. Chicago, IL 60640

Bryn Mawr: 1116 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

Station amenities include elevators and escalators at main stationhouse entrances; wider platforms; large translucent overhead canopies for increased protection from inclement weather; platform benches; and turnstiles and Ventra fare machines.New elevated track structure and signal system work includes new track, support structures, bridges, and viaducts built along the 1.3-mile Lawrence to Bryn Mawr corridor, replacing century-old, deteriorated structures.

The new track bridge’s design provides improved sightlines for pedestrians and vehicles at cross streets under new viaducts with the elimination of columns in the middle of the street. The new elevated structure is constructed higher to meet modern clearance standards, while the new signal system provides more reliable train service and replaces a more than 60-year-old system.

RPM Phase One Project construction began in 2019 and includes three major components:

• Reconstruction of the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations into larger, fully accessible stations; and replacement of track structure totaling six track-miles.
• New Red-Purple Bypass construction (completed in 2021) and the reconstruction of Red and Purple Line track structure between Belmont and Newport/Cornelia.
• Installation of a new signal system on 23 track miles between Howard and Belmont that, similar to roadway traffic signals, will improve train flow and service reliability.

Another part of the Phase One Project is creating open space located under the new Red and Purple Line tracks following the demolition of 1.3 miles of century-old, concrete embankment wall:

• CTA plans to develop 10 blocks of open space located under the new Red and Purple Line tracks between Lawrence and Ardmore avenues based on input from the community.
• The open space design plans include a pedestrian trail, dog parks, playground, fitness area, benches, and flexible-use plaza space for community events.
• Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027.

Learn more about RPM at transitchicago.com/RPM.