CTA Releases New Dates For Damen, California Blue Line Station Closures

By Chuck Sudo in News on Aug 11, 2014 1:40PM

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago Transit Authority released amended dates for the closures of the Damen and California Blue Line stations, part of the ongoing rehab and reconstruction of the Blue Line's O'Hare branch.

The California station will close for 42 days on Sept. 4 and will reopen Oct. 16. Damen, meanwhile, will close for 63 days on Oct. 20 and will reopen Dec. 22. If you're looking to shop for the holidays, plan accordingly now.

To accommodate for the closures, CTA will run extra bus service during rush hour periods on Milwaukee Avenue, including owl service overnight to connect the closest stations. Some of the highlights of the station improvements at Damen include replacing wood flooring in the station house with granite; an overhaul of the bike storage room; replacing the station agent’s booth with a stainless steel booth; restoring the historic guard rails on the platforms; and upgrading signage, lighting and communication systems. The California station will see its wood flooring replaced with granite; new bike racks; public art installations and improved lighting.

In addition, CTA plans to do some upgrades to the Western Avenue Station, including new artwork, during the shutdowns.