CTA approves $75.4 million to enhance accessibility at Racine Blue Line station

Credit: Chicago Transit Authority

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced that it will soon commence a major renovation of the Racine Blue Line station in order to make accessibility improvements, which includes the addition of a lift.

This station renovation is the latest project to advance as part of CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP). The Chicago Transit Board had approved the awarding of a $75.4 million contract and funding for this project had been sourced through Governor Pritzker’s ‘Rebuild Illinois‘ Capital Plan.

“This is another exciting step forward in our commitment to making the entire CTA rail system fully accessible,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “The CTA has collaborated with Chicago’s disability community to pursue a vision of 100% accessibility for all customers.  Thanks to the funding we received through the ‘Rebuild Illinois’ capital programme, we’re now able to unlock one more station and soon provide a fully accessible transit option for not only this West Side community, but for any of the millions who travel our rail system each year.” 

MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit service achieves record customer satisfaction

Originally constructed in 1958, work at the Racine Blue Line Station will include fully re-constructing the main stationhouse located at 430 S. Racine Avenue to feature a new lift; significant upgrades to the Loomis Street auxiliary entrance/exit; a new ADA accessible ramp from the stationhouse to the platform; new stairs and an extension of the platform.

In order to help improve the reliability of services and as part of larger plans to add additional trains to the Blue Line, the contractor will also be making significant improvements to the traction power system, which helps provide the power to run trains. Work includes a new power sub-station at Morgan Street, the replacement of equipment at the existing Hermitage sub-station and other electrical work.

Once renovated, the Racine station will have clearly defined accessible pathways to and from train platforms, bus stops and other major modal transfer points. All features along the pathway, such as fare arrays, shelters, benches and passenger information, will be re-designed to remove barriers and allow for universal accessibility.