The CTA has announced a July 20 opening date for several North Side stations as part of the $2 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) project. These stations have been closed or operating with temporary facilities since work began in 2021. This reopening marks a major milestone for the project, which is wrapping up its first phase.
Station construction progress via CTA
With much of the Red Line’s tracks and components dating back 90 to 100 years, the RPM initiative set out to modernize the system with minimal service interruptions. That goal led to the extended closure of these stations while new concrete-supported tracks were constructed. This followed earlier major upgrades, such as the Brown Line flyover.
Station construction progress via CTA
Station construction progress via CTA
Residents near the Bryn Mawr, Berwyn, Argyle, and Lawrence stations will soon benefit from expanded, fully ADA-compliant facilities. The platforms themselves are wider, with upgraded lighting, digital status displays, and canopies for weather protection. The project also included new CTA employee facilities and a modern signal system for north side trains.
Preservation of original station column via CTA
Each station was designed to reflect its surrounding neighborhood, featuring local art installations, lighting displays, and incorporation of historical elements. However, this is not the end of the RPM. The next step includes the construction of public spaces adjacent to and beneath the tracks, scheduled for completion in 2027. More details can be found in YIMBY’s previous article here.
Map of Red Ahead phases via CTA
Future phases of the project are under review and are expected to include similar track and station upgrades for the remaining Red Line stops to the north, including Sheridan and Addison. Additional improvements are planned for the entire Purple Line. All of this comes at a time when the Red Line Extension is facing scrutiny due to escalating costs.
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Station opening on the North leg of the Redline is much anticipated. July 20th will carry a new historical significance. Relative to the scheduled Redline Extension, scrutiny over cost is a continual matter with railroad operations across Chicago, not just the scheduled extension. Let’s encourage the transit agencies re master these procurement agreements to ensure cost containment. Other rail corridors will soon require capital dollars for necessary maintenance and modernization.
Looking forward to this! The Argyle station looks awesome in person! I know not everyone may not agree, but every dollar invested into public transit is money well spent! While obviously it is a MASSIVE chunk of change, that is mostly because the United States isn’t as experienced in building transit project compared to our international counterparts that can build it for 1/2 the cost if not even less. Ever since the car was developed this country completely forgot about transit, so while yes it was an expensive project, it was definitely a MUCH needed project that will bring transit back up to speed.
“mostly because the United States isn’t as experienced in building transit project compared to our international counterparts that can build it for 1/2 the cost if not even less.”
It’s not experience that’s the issue
Bryn Mawr is next. Doors open on the left at Bryn Mawr. This is a red line train to 130th! Excited to see the new stations!!
These look amazing, very excited to hopefully see these soon. I do think next priority should be overhauling the entire Congress branch of the Blue Line