CTA RPM will start final phase

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced that the agency this summer will begin the final major phase of the transformational Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization project, which is part of CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project. This phase includes the start of construction of four new, fully accessible Red Line stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr.

By starting the last major phase of this modernization, CTA is moving closer to providing customers with smoother, more reliable rail service, as well as fully accessible Red Line stations with elevators and escalators, wider platforms, and other amenities. CTA also reached a significant project milestone by completing what will be the new northbound Red and Purple Line tracks in summer 2023. This means CTA customers will get to experience some of the improved service from the RPM project – with trains using new, quieter and smoother tracks between the Wilson station and just south of the Thorndale station. 

“We continue to work hard to improve the Red Line, from rebuilding century-old infrastructure to extending the Red Line on the Far South Side to expand access to transit,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “The RPM project is an important part of our commitment to making the entire CTA rail system fully accessible.  I look forward to opening the new Red Line stations with elevators and escalators for our customers.”

The $2.1 billion RPM Phase One Project includes rebuilding CTA track structures and stations between Lawrence and Bryn Mawr, the majority of which are being rebuilt in two stages. Stage A, which is now wrapping up after beginning in 2021, will rebuild the northbound Red and Purple tracks between Lawrence and Bryn Mawr. During this phase, Red and Purple trains have been sharing the two remaining tracks to allow for continued service.

Kicking off this summer and continuing through 2025, Stage B will reroute trains to the new eastern tracks, close the older west tracks, and rebuild the new southbound Red and Purple track structures. Crews will also be constructing the new, fully accessible Red Line stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr. The work will include new track, support structures, bridges, and viaducts built along the approximately 1.3-mile segment between Leland and Ardmore Avenues, eliminating many deteriorated structures in the community. 

During the work, service changes will include new temporary stations for Argyle and Bryn Mawr, with Lawrence and Berwyn remaining closed. As before, Red and Purple trains will share the two remaining tracks. CTA’s contractor Walsh-Fluor will continue to lead the construction through Phase B.