In the Right Direction: CTA Moves Forward on All Stations Accessibility Program
CTA to Improve 29 Rail Stations
The improvements are part of the CTA's ongoing, cyclical station improvement program Refresh & Renew.

Some of the improvements made as part of this program include concrete repairs, removal of outdated fixtures and equipment, repairs to utility and plumbing lines, and more.
Photo: CTA
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced that 29 rail stations will receive repairs and improvements in 2023 as part of its ongoing, cyclical station improvement program Refresh & Renew, an 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, according to the agency's news release.
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 Dorval R. Carter, Jr., CTA president. “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.
Some of the improvements made as part of this program include concrete repairs, removal of outdated fixtures and equipment, repairs to utility and plumbing lines, and more.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 repairing 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.
More Rail

Trinity Metro Breaks Ground on $270M TEXRail Extension
The 2.1-mile extension will connect Fort Worth’s Medical District and Near Southside to downtown, surrounding communities, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Read More →
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
Amtrak Completes First Street Tunnel Upgrades, Restores Service
The nine-day construction project included replacing aging track infrastructure and modernizing switch systems near Washington Union Station.
Read More →
FRA Announces $2.3B for Passenger, Freight Rail Projects Nationwide
The CRISI Grant Program funding will support rail infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and projects aimed at improving freight and passenger rail service across 45 states and Washington, D.C.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
FTA Advances $164M Broward County Commuter Rail Project
The proposed 10.5-mile commuter rail extension would connect Fort Lauderdale and Aventura, expanding passenger rail options in South Florida.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project
The 6.7-mile line will add 11 stations along Van Nuys Boulevard, expand access to jobs and regional transit connections, and support Metro’s broader efforts to improve mobility as rail ridership grows.
Read More →
CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail
Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.
Read More →