The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced it will soon begin a renovation of the Racine Blue Line station, which includes the addition of an elevator and other improvements to make the station fully accessible, according to the agency's news release.

This makes it the latest project to advance as part of the CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP).

The Chicago Transit Board approved the awarding of a contract not to exceed $75.4 million to FH Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC, following a competitive procurement process. Funding for this infrastructure project was 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 program, 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.” 

Originally constructed in 1958, work at the Racine Blue Line Station will include fully reconstructing the main stationhouse located at 430 S. Racine Avenue to feature a new elevator; 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.

To help improve the reliability of services and as part of larger plans to add additional trains to the Blue Line, the contractor also will be making improvements to the traction power system, which helps provide the power to run trains. Work includes a new power substation at Morgan Street, replacement of equipment at the existing Hermitage substation 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 redesigned to remove barriers and allow for universal accessibility.

Details regarding the timeline of project work, including start and completion dates, will be announced at a future date.

In 2018, under the leadership of CTA President Carter, the CTA released the ASAP Strategic Plan, which serves as a blueprint for making all of its rail stations fully accessible to people with mobility disabilities by 2038.

Currently, 103 of CTA’s 145 rail stations (70%) are ADA accessible. With this announcement, nine stations are currently funded and either under design or construction.