CTA celebrates grand opening of new North Side Red Line stations

The CTA yesterday celebrated the grand opening of the 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. The massive infrastructure project has replaced stations that were more than 100 years old. 

With construction starting all the way back in 2019, the now open new stations are larger in size and fully ADA-accessible with escalators, elevators, and wider platforms. They also have better lighting and safety features, real-time information boards, and original artwork at each station. 

The project also included the complete rebuild of the century-old, elevated track structure and replaced the signal system. The work included new tracks, 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 opening of the four new contiguous stations marks the first time that this many stations have opened simultaneously since the Orange Line in 1993.

With work complete on the new tracks and stations, the CTA can move forward with its plans to build public space under the new tracks. Design plans include a pedestrian trail, dog parks, playground, fitness area, benches, and flexible-use plaza space for community events. Construction of the community spaces is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027.