95th St. and Dan Ryan Red Line Terminal Renovation Gets Underway

Deborah Bayliss | As of Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Terry Peterson, Chairman of the Chicago Transit Authority, joined local, state and federally elected officials at the 95th Street Redline Terminal, on Sept.22 to announce the start of a $240 million reconstruction project that is expected to generate more than 700 construction jobs.
Terry Peterson, Chairman of the Chicago Transit Authority, joined local, state and federally elected officials at the 95th Street Redline Terminal, on Sept.22 to announce the start of a $240 million reconstruction project that is expected to generate more than 700 construction jobs. Jerome Simmons

Local aldermen joined U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President, Forrest Claypool, and CTA Chairman, Terry Peterson and other dignitaries Monday morning to announce renovation of the 95th St. and Dan Ryan Redline Terminal, one of CTA’s largest rail station projects that officials say is a $240 million investment that will modernize the city's transit system and promote economic opportunity on Chicago’s south side.

Construction on the terminal is expected to continue into 2017.  The station will remain open throughout the project.

“Today, we break ground on what will become the crown jewel of this new Red Line – the 95th Street station,” Durbin said during the press conference at the 95th Street station. “As one of CTA’s busiest terminals, this station is critical to the thousands of South Side residents who use it to get to work and travel throughout the city every day. Among other improvements, this project will relieve congestion for riders, widen customer waiting areas, and provide pickup and drop-off space for disabled pedestrian riders.”

The venture is expected to generate more than 700 construction jobs and follows last year’s reconstruction of the Red Line South between downtown and 95th Street.

“Rebuilding the Red Line South was one of the top priorities in my capital construction program because it would revolutionize transportation on the south side of Chicago,” Gov. Quinn said. “This new station at 95th street will build on that progress by creating even more jobs and help to ensure a safe, modern and efficient transit system for people throughout Chicago and the region.”

New design features will include contemporary architecture with glass and steel canopies and light-filled, glass-enclosed structures with expanded space and more shelter for customers. An expanded retail concession space will also be added. 

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a significant investment in both the South Side and the Red Line and its riders," said Mayor Emanuel. "The Red Line is the backbone of our transportation network and this new station will not only provide customers a better transit experience, but will be a strong community anchor.”

The 95th St. and Dan Ryan Terminal is said to be one of the busiest access points to public transportation in the Chicago Metropolitan area.

U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush (Dist.-1st) and U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (Dist.-2nd) were also on hand for the announcement.

“When the city, state and federal levels work together to improve the lives of everyday citizens we see results such as this,” said Congressman Rush. “The 95th Street Terminal will relieve congestion, make for faster commutes and improve transportation routes for hundreds of Chicagoans. More importantly, this project will create jobs and expand the quality of life for this community.”

The new station is expected to have better, safer and more accessible pedestrian environment, with wider sidewalks, larger waiting areas, wider bus lanes and increased spacing between bus bays that is expected to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

“Expanding and overhauling the 95th Street Terminal will provide quicker and more convenient service for south side passengers,” Congresswoman Kelly said. “I’d like to thank Mayor Emanuel for undertaking this project, which will pave the way for extending the Red Line to the Roseland and Pullman neighborhoods, giving residents much-improved access to downtown.”

Eighth Ward Ald. Michelle Harris and 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale also attended the event.

The project will also incorporate artworks from internationally recognized, Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates and involve a program incorporating job creation, skills training and significant community engagement by the artist. Last year Gates held a series of community meetings to engage and promote dialogue among community residents, architects and designers.

Built in 1969, the 95th St. and Dan Ryan station serves as both a train terminal and an integrated bus terminal, serving about 20,000 customers on an average weekday. The station is one of CTA’s busiest, with 24-hour Red Line service and more than 1,000 CTA and Pace bus trips on a typical weekday. Buses connect far south side communities to the CTA rail network; roughly 300,000 people who live within walking distance of the CTA bus routes serving the 95th/Dan Ryan Terminal. 

Funding for the project was provided through a variety of federal, state and local sources, including State of Illinois Jobs Now funds, and CTA bonds.   

More information is available at www.transitchicago.com/95thTerminal

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