State/Lake CTA station closes for next 3 years starting today
State/Lake CTA station shuts down today for 3-year rebuild
The State/Lake CTA station shut down Monday for demolition and a rebuild process that will take several years.
CHICAGO - Starting today, the State and Lake CTA station in the Loop will close for a full reconstruction, with a projected reopening date in 2029.
The elevated station is 130 years old and is one of the oldest and busiest in the entire city.
What we know:
Trains in the Loop will still operate, but riders will need to use the fully accessible stations at Washington/Wabash and Clark/Lake. The Lake Red Line subway station will remain open.
To transfer between the Lake Red Line subway station and the Loop Elevated lines, the CTA tells riders to use the Washington/Wabash station.
Starting on Jan 5, 2026, the State and Lake CTA station in the Loop will close for a full reconstruction, with a projected reopening date in 2029. (Chicago Transit Authority)
Intermittent closures began last month at nearby streets.
Starting today, Lake Street will be open to local traffic only between Dearborn and Wabash avenues. Bus stops will stay open on State Street, but pedestrians have to watch for detour signs throughout the construction process.
Upgrades to the station will include making it more accessible, safer, and an overall better experience for riders.
New elevators, a glass canopy for weather protection, better lighting, and wider platforms are all part of the project, officials said.
Most of the demolition will happen overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., according to a CTA news release.
What they're saying:
CTA rider Nicholas Cardona said it is a minor inconvenience for him.
"I think if it all pans out, it’s just an extra three minutes to the building. It doesn’t really impact me much. For a few billion dollars, I hope it’s everything they say it’s gonna be."
Another rider, Cody Ringham, says it’s about time.
"It’s obviously going to impact travel in the morning and what not, but besides that, I think it’s going to be much needed," Ringham said. "Given the city’s infrastructure is so out of date, it’s long overdue."
Even people who told us they don’t take the ‘L’ think the reconstruction is good for the city.
Rachel Agustin, takes METRA.
"I think it’s going to be wonderful. I know three years seems like a real long time. I wish they could speed that up and make it a little faster, but I would rather them do it correctly and without any cutting corners, so if it takes three years, it takes three years and then the future Chicagoans will have a way better ‘L’ opportunity," Agustin said.