State/Lake CTA L station closing for demolition in January

The Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Transit Authority have announced that the State/Lake CTA L station will be closing in the beginning of January to commence demolition of the existing 130-year-old station before construction of the new $444 million replacement station. 

Designed by Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill, the project will replace the existing station with a modern, fully accessible rail hub featuring wider platforms and a range of customer amenities. The reconstruction will meet modern accessibility standards, improve safety, and create a more welcoming rider experience. 

Key upgrades include complete ADA compliant elevator access to both elevated platforms and the Lake Street subway, removal of columns within the intersection below, new signature glass canopy for weather protection, wider platforms, maximized glass areas for improving security, LED energy efficient lighting, and improved sidewalk crossings with bump-outs. A flyover bridge will allow passengers to crossover the tracks to switch between platforms. 

With advance utility works already underway since August, the platform will close to passengers on January 5th. Trains will continue to run through the Loop and will bypass the station during demolition and construction. Pedestrian and vehicular access on Lake Street will be affected with intermittent closures and detours as needed during construction. The new station is expected to open in 2029.