UPDATE: Starting Monday, the CTA State and Lake station in Chicago will officially close for a monumental three-year reconstruction project. This significant development will directly impact thousands of daily commuters, forcing them to seek alternative travel routes.
The historic station, which has served the city for over 130 years and ranks as the fifth busiest station in the CTA system, is set for demolition and complete rebuilding. Commuters have expressed their frustration and concern. “It’s a big bummer,” said commuter Elizabeth Rauckhorst. “I take the State and Lake stop every single day, so it’s going to be an impact to me for sure.”
As part of the upgrade, the station will feature new elevators, addressing accessibility issues for riders with disabilities. “The station isn’t accessible to folks in wheelchairs, and we are trying to make it accessible for all our transit riders,” stated Anne Zhang, Deputy Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Transportation Division of Engineering.
The reconstruction will also enhance safety and comfort. “If you see the station now, you see it has these very narrow platforms you can barely get by,” added Scott Duncan, a partner at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. “This idea of having a more enclosed weather-protective space is fundamental.”
During the project, the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Line trains will bypass the station entirely, leaving commuters to rely on nearby stations for their travel needs. The disruption is expected to last until 2029, compelling many to find alternate routes. “I’ll probably just go to the Red Line,” said commuter Ben Axelrod. “It’s going to be a little longer, like 10 minutes maybe, just with my walk. It’s going to be interesting.”
Additionally, Lake Street will be limited to local traffic only between Dearborn and Wabash, creating further adjustments for those traveling through the Loop. Commuter Samantha Calistri shared her perspective: “It will be worth it in the end, I think. If you’ve seen the pictures of what it’s supposed to look like, it’s beautiful. But definitely, it will be a bit inconvenient for the next couple of years.”
As Chicago prepares for this extensive construction, officials stress that the long-term benefits of the upgraded station will outweigh the short-term inconveniences. Stay tuned for more updates as this project progresses.
