The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will start from May 16 the first of two phases of major station and track reconstruction between Lawrence and Bryn Mawr stations, as part of the first phase of Red and Purple modernisation (RPM) project.
The works include the reconstruction of 100-year-old Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations and tracks. The new stations will be modern, larger, and fully accessible that will include elevators, wider platforms, and vastly improved amenities. CTA will also rebuild the century-old track structure between the four contiguous stations, which will provide a smoother, more comfortable and more reliable travel.
The project also includes the reconstruction of CTA track structures that will provide a faster and quieter ride for passengers. New track, support structures, bridges, and viaducts will be built along the 2 km section between Leland and Ardmore Avenues, eliminating many deteriorated structures in the community.
The modernisation of Lawrence – Bryn Mawr section will be performed into two phases. The stage A involves demolition and reconstruction of Lawrence and Berwyn stations. Walsh-Fluor the constructor of the project will demolish northbound Red and Purple Line track structures, the two easternmost tracks. This includes significant demolition of part of the east side of the embankment wall for 2.4 km and 11 bridges over cross streets in the Uptown and Edgewater communities. The project’s contractor will install access ramps to allow transfer of equipment and materials from street level to track level.
The phase also includes the construction of new track support system and the construction of the new bridges and tracks.
The phase A is expected to be completed in 2022.
The second phase (stage B) will include the same type of work as stage A which will be performed on the westernmost rail tracks. Stage B will also include the construction of the four new Red Line stations (Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr) expected to be completed and open near the end of 2024.
The USD 2.1 billion Red and Purple modernisation project consists of the reconstruction of 15.5 km of track along the two lines, including the reconstruction of the stations. The Red Line is CTA’s busiest rail line, providing more than 67 million rides per year and serving some of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the U.S.
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