The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is planing for extensive repairs and improvements for nearly 30 rail stations this year as part of ongoing efforts to provide new and returning riders with a safe and comfortable transit experience.
The work is part of Refresh & Renew—CTA’s ongoing station revitalization program, which last year was expanded and accelerated to target more than 90 percent of all rail stations.
“One of our top priorities is to always ensure that we are providing a safe and clean traveling experience for our customers,” said President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “As ridership numbers continue to move in a positive direction, we want our riders to know that we value them and that we remain committed to providing them with a comfortable transit experience.”
Refresh & Renew is a year-round, cyclical maintenance program that was launched in 2019 and designed to help promote the safety, security and longevity of CTA’s rail stations and operational facilities. As part this program, crews also address behind-the-scenes needs and repairs to keep the stations in a state of good repair, including removal of outdated fixtures and equipment, repairs to utility and plumbing lines.
Last year, to help welcome new and returning customers as part of the city’s re-opening efforts, the CTA expanded and accelerated the Refresh & Renew program. In total, crews performed a variety of improvements at 127 rail stations, valued at $3.5 million. Among those stations, 35 received more extensive work that included improved platform amenities (e.g., benches, trash bins, windbreaks, etc.), concrete repairs, updating or replacement of old or damaged signage, upgraded LED lighting throughout, permanent repairs and more. The remaining 92 stations received moderate improvements that included lighting upgrades, repainting of surfaces (e.g., columns, walls, railings, fencing/gates, platform fixtures, etc.) and power washing.
Beginning in April and continuing through the end of 2022, Refresh & Renew crews will be performing extensive station improvement work, valued at $2.1 million, at the following 28 locations:
- Red Line: Chicago, Addison, Sox-35th, Cermak-Chinatown, Fullerton, Roosevelt
- Blue Line: Addison, Oak Park, Harlem (O’Hare Branch), Washington, UIC-Halsted, Harlem (Forest Park Branch)
- Green Line: Oak Park, Ridgeland, 51st, Morgan, California, Central, Roosevelt, 35th-Bronzeville-IIT
- Brown Line: Kedzie
- Orange Line: Midway
- Pink Line: California
- Yellow Line: Dempster-Skokie
- Purple: Central, South Boulevard
- Loop Elevated: Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren, Quincy
