Advance utility works begins for new State/Lake CTA L station

The Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Transit Authority have announced that advance utility and structural locate work for the new State/Lake CTA Station will begin this month, with lane closures scheduled to start on Lake Street on August 18 and on State Street on August 25. 

Designed by Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill, the project will replace the more than 100-year-old existing State/Lake CTA station with a modern, fully accessible rail hub featuring wider platforms and a range of customer amenities. 

Originally built in 1895, the State/Lake CTA station is being completely reconstructed to 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.

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Beginning Monday, August 18, Lake Street from Dearborn Street to Wabash Ave will be reduced to one lane for utility work. On Monday, August 25, State Street from Lake Street to Randolph Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction.  

Lane reductions will allow crews to begin utility potholing in preparation for major excavation work. The work, expected to last approximately three to four months, will focus primarily on potholing operations. Also known as "daylighting," potholing involves carefully excavating small, precise holes to locate and verify the position of underground utilities, structures, and unknown objects. This process is essential for avoiding damage to critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all future construction activities associated with the new station. 

Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout construction. The existing State/Lake elevated CTA station will remain open during this phase.  

A full, long-term closure of the State/Lake CTA station will be required as part of a future phase of the project to allow for the demolition of the existing structure and construction of the new, modern facility. Station construction is expected to be completed in 2029.