Business
CTA State/Lake Station Will Be Demolished in January, Gleaming Replacement to Open in 2029
A rendering of the new State/Lake Loop station, set to open in 2029, replacing the current 130-year-old station. (Courtesy of Chicago Department of Transportation)
At 130 years old, the Chicago Transit Authority’s State/Lake Loop elevated station has had a good run, but that run is ending in January.
The station — one of the busiest in the transit system — will close Jan. 5 for demolition and reconstruction, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced Thursday.
The current dank station and its narrow, claustrophobic platform will be replaced by a modern, fully-accessible station with wider platforms and a continuous canopy that will provide shade from the sun and coverage from snow, rain and wind. A flyover bridge will allow passengers to conveniently transfer between platforms.
A rendering of the new State/Lake station's wider, safer platforms. (Courtesy Chicago Department of Transportation)
Street-level improvements will include the removal of columns in the intersection and sidewalk bump outs for pedestrian safety.
Loop trains will continue to operate during construction. Riders can board at nearby Clark/Lake or Washington/Wabash, and the Lake Red Line subway station will stay open as well. The new State/Lake station is slated to open in 2029.
A rendering of the continuous canopy that will cover the new State/Lake Loop station, protecting riders from the elements. (Courtesy Chicago Department of Transportation)
Pedestrian and vehicle access on Lake Street will be affected by the project. Here’s what to expect:
— Starting Dec. 8, motorists should be prepared for intermittent closures of eastbound Lake Street between State Street and Wabash Avenue during off-peak hours.
— Once the station closes on Jan. 5, Lake Street will be limited to local vehicles between Dearborn Street and Wabash Avenue.
— Southbound State Street will be closed to vehicles between Wacker Drive and Washington Street. All lanes of northbound State Street will be open.
— Pedestrians should follow marked detours.
The existing 130-year-old State/Lake Loop station will close Jan. 5, 2026, for demolition. (Steve King / iStock)
Much of the demolition work will take place at night, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., according to CDOT.
People can sign up for construction updates on the project's website.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
