The $25 million station reconstruction project one of several major milestones in 2025 for CTA’s ‘All Stations Accessibility Program’
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Acting President Nora Leerhsen and other dignitaries for a ceremonial groundbreaking event today marking the start major project work to make the Austin Green Line station fully accessible to those with disabilities. This work is part of the CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) and complements Mayor Johnson’s vision to make Chicago the most accessible city in the world.
“Today's groundbreaking at Austin Station represents our shared commitment to equity across Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Accessibility is not a luxury nor is it optional; it is a fundamental right. I am proud that when completed this project will transform daily life for residents with disabilities who rely on public transit. I am deeply grateful to Senator Duckworth for her advocacy and determination to secure vital federal funding for this station, and my administration looks forward to continued partnership as we make a more accessible Chicago for everyone.”
CTA’s ASAP Strategic Plan was released in 2018,and serves as a blueprint for making all rail stations fully accessible by 2038, plus upgrading or replacing existing system elevators. Currently 104 of CTA’s 146 rail stations (70%) are ADA accessible. Austin is among the 14 stations currently funded and in various stages of planning, design or under construction.
“No matter their zip code, all Chicagoans deserve reliable and accessible public transit to get to school, get to work and more easily move throughout Chicagoland,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “As we kick off construction to modernize the Austin Green Line Station—including critical ADA upgrades to support all riders—I’m proud to help secure federal support for this vital project on Chicago’s West Side. I’ll keep working with our local leaders and the Illinois congressional delegation to make public transportation more efficient, safe and accessible for all of Chicago.”
“Chicagoans rely on public transit every day,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “I’m thrilled to celebrate today’s groundbreaking of the CTA Austin Green Line Station. Everyone deserves access to reliable transportation, and these upgrades will make the Austin station fully accessible to people with disabilities by 2038. I’ll continue advocating for ways to modernize Chicago’s transit system with safe, accessible, and efficient upgrades.”
“For too long, inaccessible CTA rail stations have limited opportunities to those in the communities we serve,” said CTA Acting President Leerhsen. “The start of this project work is the first major milestone in the year ahead for CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program, which will include the opening six newly accessible rail stations across the City – and demonstrates our commitment to making public transit work for everyone.”
Funding for this critical infrastructure project was sourced through the federal government’s Surface Transportation Program (STP) and Governor Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. STP funds provided $20.3M in funding and Rebuild Illinois provide $5.3M to this project for a total budget of $25.6M.
“We are delighted to see the commencement of construction to modernize the Austin Green Line Station and are pleased to have assisted in helping to generate the funds to make it happen,” said Congressman Danny K. Davis.
The original street level station opened in 1899 and has not been upgraded since it was rebuilt in 1962. Beginning in June, the main entrance of the Austin Green Line station will be closed for the start of major project work, which is expected to continue into early 2026. Work will include the installation of a new elevator and escalator connecting to the platform; reconstruction of the stairs and a new ADA compliant ramp; extension of the platform; plus other station enhancements. During this time, riders will continue to have access to rail services using the stations auxiliary entrance.
“The start of reconstruction at the Austin Green Line station marks a powerful step toward a more accessible Chicago," said Access Living President and CEO Karen Tamley. "Public transportation is a critical lifeline for people with disabilities and we applaud the CTA’s commitment to fulfilling the goals of the All Stations Accessibility Program. This groundbreaking is more than a construction milestone—it’s a promise of greater independence and opportunity for all.”
Currently, CTA has secured funding for all the stations identified in Phase One and roughly half of those in Phase Two of the ASAP Plan. CTA has also secured $37 million in funding for elevator replacement and/or modernization efforts. Work is currently underway to complete an inventory of these elevator conditions to be able to put construction packages together for future project work.
Funding remains the biggest impediment to achieving a fully accessible rail system. Since the launch of the ASAP Plan, CTA has secured $740.8 million in funding, with planning and construction underway for nearly all non-accessible stations identified in the first two phase of the Plan. CTA continues to seek out additional sources of funding for Phases Three and Four of the program.
# # #