CTA’s ongoing station revitalization program aims to provide an improved transit environment for both riders and employees
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced that 29 rail stations will receive repairs and improvements in 2023 as part of its ongoing, cyclical station improvement program Refresh & Renew, a key initiative of the “Meeting the Moment” Action Plan.
Created in 2019, the Refresh & Renew program helps keep CTA’s stations in a state of good repair by performing routine maintenance that enhances the safety, security and overall look and feel of facilities. In 2023, crews will be performing an estimated $6.5 million in repairs and improvements at dozens of rail stations across seven rail lines, as well as some Loop Elevated stations.
“We are committed to providing our customers and employees with a safe and comfortable transit environment, and the Refresh & Renew program is a vital tool in helping us deliver on that promise,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “In addition to performing small cosmetic repairs, we’re also working to provide a safer transit environment by proactively addressing some of the larger issues before they arise.”
Prior to starting work at a location, crews will perform an initial and thorough inspection of the location to identify any behind the scenes or customer-facing items that need repair and/or replacement – either immediately or in the near term.
Some of the more comprehensive improvements made as part of this program include concrete repairs, removal of outdated fixtures and equipment, repairs to utility and plumbing lines and more. Work also includes smaller cosmetic upgrades such as painting and replacing sheet metal or damaged signage, lighting upgrades, cleaning, and repair of surfaces (e.g., columns, walls, railings, fencing/gates, platform fixtures, etc.) and power washing are also performed.
The following 29 CTA rail stations will receive improvements under the 2023 Refresh & Renew program:
- Red Line: Sox-35th, Howard, Sheridan, Addison, Clark/Division
- Blue Line: Jefferson Park, Irving Park, Belmont, Logan Square, Division, Monroe
- Green Line: Laramie, Cicero, Indiana, 35th-Bronzeville-IIT
- Brown Line: Armitage, Chicago, Francisco, Montrose, Irving Park, Addison
- Orange Line: 35th/Archer, Halsted
- Pink Line: 54th/Cermak, Pulaski
- Purple: Linden, Main St.
- Loop Elevated: Merchandise Mart, Washington/Wells
Complementing these station improvements, CTA also recently launched its seasonal power washing teams. This separate group of personnel are dispatched during the overnight hours and are tasked with scrubbing and power washing the surfaces of CTA’s stations. Each year between the spring and fall seasons, each of CTA’s 145 rail stations is power washed at least once a month as part of routine station cleaning efforts. These cleaning efforts are highlighted as part of a recently launched in-system ad campaign called “Goodbye Grime.”
For more information on the Refresh & Renew project, visit: transitchicago.com/refresh-renew.
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