Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has celebrated the completion of reconstruction of four Red Line stations, part of the first phase of Red and Purple Modernisation – RPM project with a ceremonial journey.
The authority has opened its modernised and reconstructed Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations as part of the USD 2.1 billion RPM project Phase One Project and, to mark the special occasion, CTA celebrated with customers on a commemorative “first ride” train between the new Bryn Mawr and Berwyn Red Line stations.
“It was wonderful to welcome CTA riders to our brand new, fully accessible Red Line stations and to showcase the RPM team’s hard work to modernise and improve rail service for the people who visit, live in and work in these communities,” said Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen.
The Phase One of RPM project began in 2019 and included the reconstruction of the above-mentioned Red Line stations and the track structure, the replacement of 9.6 km tracks and the renewal of signalling system on 37 km tracks. The work included new track, support structures, bridges, and viaducts built along the 2 km Lawrence to Bryn Mawr corridor, replacing century-old, deteriorated structures.
The project also included the construction of a Red-Purple bypass north of the Belmont station, a new elevated structure and a new track bridge’s design.
With the completion of track and station construction, CTA will continue with some final finishing construction work and be substantially done with RPM Phase One by the end of 2025, with the exception of upcoming development of newly created under ‘L’ tracks. CTA plans to develop 10 blocks of open space located under the new Red and Purple Line tracks between Lawrence and Ardmore avenues based on input from the community. The open space design plans include a pedestrian trail, dog parks, playground, fitness area, benches, and flexible-use plaza space for community events. The construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027.
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