Canopies that cover the platforms at the Belmont and Fullerton stations will be extended following the Chicago Transit Board’s approval of a change in the original contract with FHP Tectonics Corporation to renovate the stations as part of the Brown Line capacity expansion project.
The canopies will be extended to approximately 320 feet – the equivalent of a six-car train – rather than the original distance of 128 feet or a 2 1/2-car train.
“We knew we wanted to offer back some amenities that our customers really needed and wanted,” said CTA President Richard L. Rodriguez. “The increased ridership on the Brown Line demonstrates more customers are using the Line and extending these canopies will help protect them from the elements and make their commutes more pleasant.”
Belmont and Fullerton are busy transfer points for Brown, Red and Purple Express Line customers. On an average weekday, the Belmont station records 12,064 entries and Fullerton 12,717.
The Brown Line capacity expansion project involves modernizing 18 stations, extending platforms and making each facility ADA compliant. To date, 15 of the 18 stations included in the project have been completed. The only station now closed for construction is Wellington, which will reopen to customers later this summer. Although construction remains under way at Belmont and Fullerton, service continues to operate at both stations.
The cost of the contract change order is $5.5 million.
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