Commuters in Chicago's Loop must brace for significant changes as the State/Lake CTA station, a vital hub for the city's elevated transit network, is earmarked for a major overhaul. Starting January 5, the station will be closed for demolition and a subsequent three-year reconstruction period, the Chicago Department of Transportation confirmed earlier this week. ABC7 Chicago reports that the 120-year-old station is set for a transformation that includes wider platforms, new elevators, and a striking glass canopy, among other modern amenities.
During the period of closure, the current station, which is the fifth highest in ridership within the system and a pivotal transfer point in the Loop, will be replaced by a modern facility with improved lighting and visibility. "The CTA says the new station won't open for three years, sometime in 2029," ABC7 Chicago noted. Despite the interruption, the underground Red Line stop will continue its service, although trains will bypass the elevated station during its construction phase.
In addition to the station itself, the reconstruction project also entails street-level improvements for pedestrian safety, including the removal of columns at the intersection and sidewalk bump-outs. According to details provided by WTTW News, a new feature of the station will be a flyover bridge to ease passenger transfers between platforms.
Motorists and pedestrians in the Loop are advised of forthcoming changes to the traffic patterns. Starting Dec. 8, eastbound Lake Street will see intermittent closures between State and Wabash Avenues during off-peak hours. Once a station closes on Jan. 5, Lake Street will be limited to local traffic only between Dearborn Street and Wabash Avenue, according to WTTW News. Additional alterations include the restriction of southbound State to one lane between Wacker Drive and Washington Street, while the northbound stretch maintains all lanes open. Expect marked detours for pedestrians navigating the area.
To minimize disruption, most demolition work is scheduled to occur nightly between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Interested parties can stay informed by signing up for construction updates on the project's website, ensuring they're prepared for the latest developments amid Chicago's iconic Loop evolving skyline.
