CTA to open Red Line stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr with elevators and escalators as the agency nears completion of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project
Mayor Brandon Johnson today announced that four fully reconstructed Red Line stations in Edgewater and Uptown will open on Sunday, July 20, 2025, as part of the CTA’s historic $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project.
RPM has rebuilt Red Line stations that were more than a century old into new, fully accessible and modern stations with elevators and escalators. The project has also included full reconstruction of the Red and Purple Line Express track structure and the installation of a new signal system that combined will provide smoother, quieter and more reliable rides for CTA customers. Major project construction will be completed this year.
“With the RPM improvements, the Red Line on the North Side is more accessible to all Chicagoans, providing residents and working families with convenient and reliable transit that connects people across our great City,” said Mayor Johnson. “The Red Line is the backbone of our City and is critical to our economic vibrancy, which is why I am proud to support investments like RPM and the future Red Line Extension Project on the Far South Side."
The opening of four new contiguous stations marks the first time that this many stations have opened simultaneously since the Orange Line in 1993.
“We are proud to bring new, accessible Red Line stations to our customers, which will provide a more comfortable and convenient commuting experience,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “By opening these four stations that will be accessible to customers with disabilities, we move closer to our goal of having all of our CTA stations fully accessible. I am deeply grateful to Senators Durbin and Duckworth and the rest of the Illinois Congressional delegation for their advocacy of this project and providing our riders with the fundamental right of accessibility for all.”
Riders can look forward to brand new stations at:
Lawrence: 1120 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Argyle: 1118 W. Argyle St. Chicago, IL 60640
Berwyn: 1119 W. Berwyn St. Chicago, IL 60640
Bryn Mawr: 1116 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Bryn Mawr – Hollywood entrance: 1119 W. Hollywood Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Station amenities include elevators and escalators at main stationhouse entrances; wider platforms; large translucent overhead canopies for increased protection from inclement weather; platform benches; and turnstiles and Ventra fare machines.
Temporary CTA Argyle and Bryn Mawr stations currently serving customers during construction will close when the new stations open.
The new elevated track structure and signal system work includes 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, while the new signal system provides more reliable train service and replaces a more than 60-year-old system.
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.
- New Red-Purple Bypass construction (completed in 2021) 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
Another part of the Phase One Project is the development of open space located under the new Red and Purple Line tracks following the demolition of 1.3 miles of century-old, concrete embankment wall:
- 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 will rebuild the 9.6-mile stretch of Red and Purple Line track structure and stations on the North Side that are a century old. RPM will replace aging infrastructure; increase CTA’s capacity to increase train service as needed; and improve our service for customers with more reliable, comfortable service. Learn more about RPM at transitchicago.com/RPM.
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