Merry Christmas From CTA: The Damen Avenue Blue Line Station Has Re-Opened

By Chuck Sudo in News on Dec 22, 2014 4:00PM

Photo credit: Chicago Transit Authority

As promised, Chicago Transit Authority re-opened the renovated Damen Avenue Blue Line station at 4 a.m., after a 64-day shutdown for extensive renovations to the 119-year-old structure that included upgraded lighting, including new LED lighting on the elevated platforms; new bike racks and concrete paving; renovated masonry walls inside the stationhouse; a stainless steel customer booth; new granite floors in the stationhouse; new wood decks on the platforms; new or renovated railings and new signage.

The renovations are part of CTA's $492 million "Your New Blue" campaign. The project aims to shave travel times along the O'Hare branch of the Blue Line and rehab of the Damen, California and Western Avenue stations along the branch. The California station re-opened in mid-October, while upgrades to the Western Avenue station will be completed in January.

Photo credit: Chicago Transit Authority

Photo credit: Chicago Transit Authority

Photo credit: Chicago Transit Authority

Photo credit: Chicago Transit Authority

To celebrate the station's re-opening, Glazed & Infused doughnuts will continue to give away a free doughnut and large coffee to riders who show their Ventra cards through Christmas Eve, while Flash Taco will offer free tamales to customers 4-6 p.m. today through the 24th and 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. tomorrow and Wednesday.