State and Lake CTA Station to Close for Major Reconstruction in January
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A comprehensive overhaul of the State and Lake CTA station, one of Chicago’s busiest transit hubs, will begin on January 5, the Chicago Department of Transportation announced on Thursday. The closure marks the start of a multi-year project to completely rebuild the 120-year-old station, promising a modern and accessible transit experience for commuters.
A Vital Hub Undergoing Transformation
The State and Lake station currently ranks as the fifth-highest ridership station in the entire CTA system. Its location at a critical transfer point within the Loop makes it a vital connection for countless daily commuters. While the elevated station will be fully closed for reconstruction, the underground Red Line stop will remain operational, ensuring continued service, albeit without access to the elevated platforms.
What to Expect During Construction
Preparatory work for the demolition is already underway, visibly impacting traffic around the ABC7 Chicago studios. Starting Monday, eastbound Lake Street between State and Wabash Avenue will experience intermittent closures during off-peak hours. Once the station officially closes on January 5, Lake Street will be limited to local traffic only between Dearborn Street and Wabash Avenue to facilitate construction beneath the tracks.
Traffic impacts will also extend to State Street, with the southbound lanes reduced to a single lane from Wacker Drive to Washington Street. However, northbound State Street will maintain all lanes of traffic, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation. Importantly, sidewalks in the area will remain open throughout the project.
A Vision for the Future
The Chicago Transit Authority anticipates the new State and Lake station will reopen sometime in 2029. The rebuilt station will boast significant improvements, including wider platforms to ease congestion, the installation of new elevators for full accessibility, a striking glass canopy, and enhanced lighting and visibility throughout the station.
“These upgrades are essential to meet the needs of our growing city and provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient transit experience for all riders,” a senior official stated.
The project represents a substantial investment in Chicago’s public transportation infrastructure, signaling a commitment to modernizing the CTA system for decades to come. Commuters are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly during the three-year construction period.
