The opening of four contiguous Red Line stations marks the first time that this many stations have opened at once since the Orange Line opened in 1993
CTA today opened its new Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations as part of the $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project and, to mark the special occasion, CTA celebrated with customers on a commemorative “first ride” train between the new Bryn Mawr and Berwyn Red Line stations.
CTA customers will enjoy the following amenities at the new stations:
- Larger stations that replace stations that were more than 100 years old
- ADA accessibility, including escalators, elevators and wider platforms
- Better lighting and security features
- Real-time information boards
- Smoother, more reliable train service
- Decrease in overcrowding on the trains and platforms
- A brighter, cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing pedestrian environment
- Original artwork at each station
RPM Phase One is the largest completed transit investment in CTA history, and the opening of four new contiguous stations marks the first time that this many stations have opened simultaneously since the Orange Line in 1993.
“It was wonderful to welcome CTA riders today to our brand new, fully accessible Red Line stations and to showcase the RPM team’s hard work to modernize and improve rail service for the people who visit, live in and work in these communities,” said Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “I am grateful to the people in the neighborhoods that these stations will serve— including the residents, businesses and local elected officials that have partnered with us during construction—for their support. Now is the time to celebrate together the access and opportunity that these new, breathtaking stations will provide.”
RPM Phase One Overview
RPM Phase One Project construction began in 2019 and includes three major components.
- Reconstruction of the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations into larger, fully accessible stations; and replacement of track structure totaling six track-miles.
- The RPM project completely rebuilt century-old elevated track structure and replaced the signal system. The work included new track, support structures, bridges, and viaducts built along the 1.3-mile Lawrence to Bryn Mawr corridor, replacing century-old, deteriorated structures.
- The new track bridge’s design provides improved sightlines for pedestrians and vehicles at cross streets under new viaducts with the elimination of columns in the middle of the street.
- The new elevated structure is constructed higher to meet modern clearance standards.
- The new signal system provides more reliable train service and replaces a more than 60-year-old system.
- New Red-Purple Bypass construction and the reconstruction of Red and Purple Line track structure between Belmont and Newport/Cornelia.
- Installation of a new signal system on 23 track miles between Howard and Belmont that, similar to roadway traffic signals, will improve train flow and service reliability.
Public Space Under the ‘L’ Tracks
With the completion of track and station construction, CTA will continue with some final finishing construction work and be substantially done with RPM Phase One by the end of 2025, with the exception of upcoming development of newly created under-L spaces:
- CTA plans to develop 10 blocks of open space located under the new Red and Purple Line tracks between Lawrence and Ardmore avenues based on input from the community.
- The open space design plans include a pedestrian trail, dog parks, playground, fitness area, benches, and flexible-use plaza space for community events.
- Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027.
The Red Line and RPM
The CTA’s Red Line is CTA’s busiest rail line, providing nearly 40 million rides in 2024. CTA is completing Phase One of the multi-phase RPM Program, which is rebuilding the 9.6-mile stretch of Red and Purple Line track structure and stations on the North Side that were a century old. RPM replaces aging infrastructure; increases CTA’s capacity to increase train service as needed; and improves our service for customers with more reliable, comfortable service. Learn more about RPM at transitchicago.com/RPM.
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