Business

Newly Reconstructed Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line Stations Are Now Open

The Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations on the CTA’s Red Line are now open, after being closed for reconstruction for four years.

The upgrades to the four contiguous Red Line stations, which were more than a century old, include new track, support structures, bridges and viaducts built along the more than 1-mile section between the Lawrence and Bryn Mawr stations.

The new stations also feature improved lighting, real-time information boards, original artwork and improved ADA accessibility, such as escalators, elevators and wider platforms, according to the transit agency.

The stations opened Sunday with a commemorative “first ride” train. Another grand opening celebration with transit agency officials and elected leaders was held Monday.

Nearby residents and married couple Robert Skutnick and Kirk Todd were taking photos at the Lawrence Red Line station Monday morning. Skutnick said the improvements were “needed for far too long.”

“This is our station for 37 years,” Skutnick said. “Boy, was this an ugly station.”

The couple said they’ve used the ‘L’ far less since the station closed, and instead, have opted to take the 146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express bus as an alternative.

Todd described the reopening as “fantastic,” especially from a business and economic standpoint, adding that local small businesses suffered during construction. Todd said he is hoping it will help with the Aragon Ballroom next door, with concertgoers being able to take the Red Line again instead of rideshares, or driving and circling for parking.

The new stations are part of a $2 billion project to modernize the Red and Purple lines.

CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization Phase One Project, which kicked off in 2019, includes the four newly upgraded Red Line stations as well as a new bypass and track structure reconstruction near the Belmont station.

The transit agency also plans to develop 10 blocks of space under the new Red Line and Purple Line tracks between Lawrence and Ardmore, according to a news release. Design plans include a pedestrian trail, dog parks, playground, fitness area, benches and flexible-use plaza space for community events.

Construction for underneath the tracks is expected to begin next year and be completed in 2027.

The newly unveiled stations come as Chicago-area public transit faces a $770 million budget gap next year, which would lead to severe service cuts if transit agencies do not receive adequate funding.

Patty Wetli contributed to this report.

Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]

---