The Chicago Transit Authority is set to quickly modernize the Western Brown Line station, a hub in the Lincoln Square community, with a $19 million facelift. On Tuesday, CTA released renderings of the station's new design, which includes improved ADA accessibility, an updated bus turnout, and revamped platform and interiors. The facelift comes after taking in suggestions from local residents, who have been calling for updates to the station, CTA's busiest in the 47th Ward.
In a statement obtained by the Chicago Transit Authority's news release, CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. proposed the plan as part of a broader effort to increase ridership and make capital improvements across the city. "This project represents a $19 million investment in the Lincoln Square community that relies on our bus and Brown Line services to make vital connections to the rest of the city," he said. Community members are encouraged to attend the next virtual meeting on May 29 to provide continued feedback on the project.
According to a Chicago Transit Authority statement, new accessibility features will be integrated into the station, like ADA doors at the main entrance on Western Avenue. The exterior and interior of the station are to also get an overhaul with new sidewalks and lighting along the walkway to Lincoln Avenue, a refurbished platform, and track structure painting. Sidewalk replacement is poised to enable smoother access for all riders upon completion of the project.
Throughout the summer, the CTA will initiate painting, platform rehabilitation, roof replacement, and installation of a modernized bus boarding island. 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin told the Chicago Transit Authority he is "thrilled" to have collaborated with the CTA for the much-needed improvements. The station will not only get a "refreshed look" but will also boast new accent lighting to highlight historical artifacts like a segment of the Berlin Wall.
Moreover, the platform level will see the replacement of a concrete platform edge, repairs to the concrete platform, and upgrades to the handrail and platform canopy. Some service disruptions, including occasional weekend line cuts between Kimball and Western, along with temporary bus stop relocation, are expected. Nonetheless, details of any service impacts will be made public once they are finalized.
Last year, the Western Brown Line station delivered nearly 700,000 rides and facilitated transfers across five busy bus routes. With its origins in the early 1900s and a rebuild in 1920, followed by a 1979-1981 renovation for ADA compliance, the station's current revamp is part of CTA's commitment to maintaining infrastructure and service for Chicago's residents and visitors. Full details of the project are available for review on the CTA's official website at CTA Unveils Renderings for Rehabilitation of the Western Brown Line Station.
