URGENT UPDATE: The CTA’s State and Lake station in Chicago will officially close on Monday, October 9, 2023, marking the start of a massive three-year construction project. This closure is set to significantly impact thousands of daily commuters as the station is demolished and rebuilt to modernize transit services.
The historic station, which has served commuters for over 130 years and ranks fifth in ridership across the CTA, will no longer serve the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines during the reconstruction. Commuter Elizabeth Rauckhorst expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s a big bummer. I take the State and Lake stop every single day, so it’s going to be an impact to me for sure.”
The initiative aims to enhance accessibility and safety for all riders. Anne Zhang, Deputy Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Transportation Division of Engineering, emphasized the importance of the upgrades: “The station isn’t accessible to folks in wheelchairs, and we are trying to make it accessible for all our transit riders.”
Upcoming renovations will include the addition of elevators and a redesign of the platforms, which have been criticized for their narrowness. Scott Duncan, a partner at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, explained, “If you see the station now, you see it has these very narrow platforms you can barely get by. January you are out on the platform; it’s just freezing, so this idea of having a more enclosed weather-protective space is fundamental.”
The project is expected to wrap up by 2029, meaning commuters will need to adapt their routes in the interim. Many are already considering alternative stations. Commuter Ben Axelrod noted, “I’ll probably just go to the Red Line. It’s going to be a little longer, like 10 minutes maybe, just with my walk. It’s going to be interesting.”
Local traffic on Lake Street will also face restrictions, limited to local access only between Dearborn and Wabash. Despite the inconvenience, some commuters remain optimistic. “It will be worth it in the end, I think,” said Samantha Calistri. “I mean if you’ve seen the pictures of what it’s supposed to look like, it’s beautiful. But definitely will be a bit inconvenient for the next couple of years.”
As the closure approaches, officials encourage commuters to plan their routes accordingly and consider using nearby stations to minimize disruption. Keep an eye on updates regarding the project and its progress as Chicago gears up for a transformed transit experience.
