New elevators and a modern, accessible entrance will ensure access for those who use mobility devices and latest project to advance under CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program
The Chicago Transit Board today approved the awarding of a construction contract for modernization and accessibility improvements at the California Blue Line station, with construction set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027. Today’s board action marks another milestone in the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) commitment to the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) – moving the agency closer to its goal of making the entire system 100% accessible to riders with disabilities.
“An accessible CTA gives more people the freedom to travel independently and connects them to everything our region has to offer,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “This investment will bring that promise to life at the California Blue Line station, delivering a modern, welcoming station that better serves riders with disabilities and the entire community."
Originally constructed in 1895 and renovated in 2015, the California Blue Line station is one of the busier stations along the line with more than 1.125 million entries in 2025. Following a competitive procurement process, F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates, LLC, was selected to lead the overhaul of the facility located at 2211 N. California Ave.
The comprehensive station upgrade will feature:
- Two new elevators serving the inbound and outbound platforms.
- New stairs, accessible doors.
- Updated signage and wayfinding.
- Platform and canopy extensions, with related adjustments to lighting, railings and windbreaks.
- Improvements to sidewalks, ramps, drainage and landscaping.
To maintain access to rail services during construction, crews will build a temporary stationhouse and entrance at St. George’s Court for riders to use while work proceeds on the permanent, accessible entrance.
The overall value of the contract is not to exceed $39.9 million and will be funded through a combination of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and City of Chicago Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds.
Currently, CTA operates a 100% accessible bus and rail fleet and 110 of CTA’s 146 rail stations are fully accessible, or 75% percent of our rail system stations, which is among the highest for legacy transit systems in the U.S.
Released in 2018, CTA’s ASAP Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for making all rail stations fully accessible by 2038. The California station is among 15 stations that have either recently opened or are currently funded and in various stages of planning, design or construction under the initiative.
Project Renderings
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