Chicago City Wire

Advance work on the new State/Lake CTA station is set to begin this month, according to an announcement from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) in partnership with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The early phase involves utility and structural locate work, which will require lane closures but will not affect CTA service at the existing State/Lake elevated station.

Starting August 18, Lake Street between Dearborn Street and Wabash Avenue will be reduced to one lane. One week later, on August 25, State Street from Lake Street to Randolph Street will also be limited to a single lane in each direction. These traffic adjustments are necessary for crews to perform utility potholing ahead of major excavation efforts. Access to all businesses in the area will remain open during construction.

"This early phase of construction will not include demolition work and will not affect CTA service at the existing State/Lake elevated station.The project will replace the more than 100-year-old existing State/Lake CTA station with a modern, fully accessible rail hub featuring wider platforms and a range of customer amenities." This statement was issued by CDOT and CTA.

The initial work is expected to last three to four months and focuses on potholing operations—also known as "daylighting"—which entails careful excavation of small holes to identify underground utilities and structures. This process helps avoid damage during later construction phases and supports safety for both workers and infrastructure.

Excavation methods include mechanical drilling, boring, vacuum excavating, and occasional jackhammer use if obstructions are encountered. Regular working hours for this phase are scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A full closure of the current State/Lake CTA station is anticipated in a future phase when demolition begins on the old structure so that a new facility can be built. Additional information about timing for this closure will be provided as planning advances.

Originally constructed in 1895, the current State/Lake station is being replaced with a facility that meets modern accessibility standards and improves safety for passengers. Planned upgrades feature ADA-compliant elevator access throughout, improved vehicle safety by removing columns at intersections, a glass canopy covering platforms for weather protection, wider passenger areas for better flow, increased use of glass for security visibility, LED lighting on platforms and sidewalks below, as well as enhanced sidewalk crossings designed to protect pedestrians.

Station construction is targeted for completion in 2029. More details about the project can be found at www.statelakestation.org.