Tuesday, July 29, 2025
The Austin station, located at 351 North Austin Boulevard on the Chicago Transit Authority’s Green Line, is set to undergo a major renovation as part of a $25 million project aimed at improving accessibility and bringing the station into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the CTA to make all of its rail stations fully accessible to people of all abilities. As work begins on this project, the agency highlights its dedication to improving public transportation infrastructure, ensuring equal access to the city’s vast resources and opportunities.
Phase One: A Transformative Project for Austin Station
Groundbreaking for the Austin station renovation took place on a Monday morning, marking the official start of phase one of the reconstruction project. The renovations will include the installation of an elevator, escalator, and ramp, as well as other significant improvements that will make the station more accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and those carrying heavy luggage or temporary mobility challenges.
Phase one of the project, which has already secured funding of $423.5 million, is primarily financed by federal grants from the Surface Transportation Program, with additional support from state funds. This phase is one of several planned upgrades to various stations across the CTA network, including Racine station on the Blue Line, and Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr stations on the Red Line. These changes reflect a larger, ongoing effort to make the city’s public transit system more inclusive and modern.
A Commitment to Accessibility and Community Development
Chicago Transit Board Director Michele Lee emphasized the importance of continued investment in projects like the Austin station renovation. She noted that making transit systems accessible is not just about complying with regulations, but about making an investment in the community. Accessibility, Lee pointed out, opens up access to jobs, resources, and the full range of opportunities that the city has to offer. Without proper funding, such improvements would not be possible.
Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen referred to the funding approach as an “innovative approach,” as it repurposes funds traditionally allocated for roadwork projects to focus on the modernization of transit infrastructure. This new allocation strategy not only improves public transit but ensures that those who rely on it have an easier and more inclusive experience.
Accessibility Benefits for Everyone
The renovation of the Austin station is part of the CTA’s broader All Stations Accessibility Program, which was launched in 2018 with the goal of making all of the city’s rail stations fully accessible by 2038. While the project initially focuses on stations that are not currently compliant with the ADA, some stations that already feature elevators will see upgrades or replacements to improve their functionality and service. The Austin station’s renovations are just one piece of this extensive plan to create a fully accessible transit system in Chicago.
Karen Tamley, the president and CEO of Access Living, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the rights of people with disabilities, commented on how important the changes will be for everyone who uses the system. She emphasized that accessibility is not only a civil right, but it also benefits a wide range of people, including those temporarily impaired, parents with young children, and those who have difficulty using stairs or traditional transit systems. Tamley’s perspective is echoed by many advocates who believe that improvements like those happening at Austin will create a more inclusive environment for all CTA riders.
Progress and Funding for the All Stations Accessibility Program
To date, the CTA has made significant strides in improving the accessibility of its transit network. The agency reports that 104 of its 146 rail stations are already ADA accessible. Austin is one of 14 stations that are currently funded and undergoing renovations in various stages, ranging from design to construction. The improvements to Austin station are a pivotal part of these efforts to make the transit system more inclusive.
The renovations at Austin will involve major changes to the station, with the main entrance closing in June for the start of construction. However, passengers will still have access to the station via its auxiliary entrance while work continues. This ensures that commuters will not be disrupted during the initial phase of construction. The entire renovation project is part of a long-term initiative to modernize the station and make it a more functional, accessible space for all who use it.
Phase 2: Expanding Accessibility Across the City
Phase 2 of the accessibility improvements will involve additional work on several other stations across the CTA network. These include the Irving Park, Belmont, Cicero, and Pulaski stations on the Blue Line, the Oak Park and Ridgeland stations on the Green Line, and the North/Clybourn station on the Red Line. These projects, which have an estimated budget of $617.5 million, are currently 45% funded, signaling that the CTA is continuing to make progress on improving accessibility across its rail lines. The successful completion of Phase 1 will serve as a model for future projects in Phase 2 and beyond, as the agency works toward meeting its long-term goal of a fully accessible transit system.
While the CTA has already secured substantial funding for Phase 1 and Phase 2, funding for Phases 3 and 4 remains uncertain. These phases, which involve renovations to other stations across the system, will require additional resources to ensure that all of the city’s rail stations are upgraded and accessible by the 2038 deadline.
The Importance of Accessibility to Chicago’s Public Transportation System
Accessibility improvements, such as those being made at the Austin station, are not just about compliance with the ADA; they are also about making public transportation in Chicago a more reliable and inclusive service for everyone. Commuters with disabilities, older adults, parents with young children, and anyone else who experiences mobility challenges stand to benefit greatly from these enhancements. Moreover, the improvements will increase the overall efficiency and usability of the transit network, ensuring that the CTA can accommodate an ever-growing population of riders.
The Austin station renovation is just one part of the CTA’s broader strategy to modernize the city’s transit infrastructure. With ongoing funding and the commitment to expanding accessibility across the entire network, the CTA is taking significant steps toward making public transportation in Chicago more inclusive, convenient, and equitable for everyone. The completed project will set a new standard for accessibility, improving the overall transit experience and ensuring that no rider is left behind.
A Long-Term Vision for Accessible Public Transit
The Austin station renovation is part of a long-term vision for a fully accessible transit system in Chicago. The All Stations Accessibility Program is an ambitious initiative that aims to ensure that all rail stations in the city are fully compliant with the ADA by 2038. This program will not only address the needs of people with disabilities but will also benefit a diverse range of commuters, making public transit in Chicago more equitable for all.
As more stations undergo renovations and accessibility improvements, the impact on the city’s transportation network will become increasingly apparent. With modernized stations that are accessible to all, more people will be able to take advantage of the city’s public transportation options, leading to greater mobility, increased independence, and a stronger, more inclusive community.
Conclusion: A Commitment to a More Accessible Future
The renovation of Austin station is a critical step toward making Chicago’s public transportation system more accessible and inclusive. The investment in modernizing the station will benefit not only people with disabilities but also parents, elderly passengers, and anyone who faces mobility challenges. The completion of this project, as part of the CTA’s broader All Stations Accessibility Program, will pave the way for more inclusive, efficient, and user-friendly transit options in the future. By continuing to prioritize accessibility, the CTA is ensuring that all Chicago residents and visitors have equal access to the city’s public transportation system, helping to create a more equitable and connected community for years to come.
