The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has detailed its plans to modernize the Western Brown Line station and bus turnaround, bringing the station back to a state of good repair for the Lincoln Square community.

Established as part of the original construction of the Ravenswood branch in the early-1900s, the current Western Brown Line station was rebuilt in 1920 and underwent a major renovation in 1979-1981 to be made fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since this station was already fully accessible to those who use mobility devices, this was the only Brown Line station to receive modest upgrades and repairs under the Brown Line Capacity Expansion project (2004-2009).

“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,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “As we continue the work of increasing ridership systemwide, our goal is to make capital improvements that will be appreciated by current bus and rail customers and encourage new riders to utilize the system.”

As part of the rehabilitation, new ADA doors will be added to the main entrance on Western Avenue.  Beginning this summer, crews will begin work on track structure painting, platform rehabilitation, and roof replacement.

The station will also feature a new bus boarding island and canopy structure for customers to use while waiting for one of the several routes that connect through the station. Sidewalks will be replaced in front of the station and lighting will also be upgraded along the walkway between the station and Lincoln Avenue.  Upon completion of the project, riders will have smoother access to the station thanks to the replaced sidewalks.

The rehabilitated station interior will also feature new accent lighting that highlights a segment of the Berlin Wall on display. The CTA will also be refinishing the floors and interior walls as well as replacing the elevator cabs, stair treads and risers as well as constructing a new customer service assistance kiosk.

On the platform level, the concrete platform edge will be replaced. Repairs will also be made to the existing concrete platform, handrail, and platform canopy.

To perform this work, occasional weekend day line cuts between Kimball and Western will be required. There will also be temporary bus stop relocation while the bus turnaround is being rehabbed. Details of any service impacts will be shared with customers once details are finalized. Work is anticipated to start this summer and continue through late 2025.

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