Austin community marks reopening of fully accessible CTA Green Line station

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Austin residents and local officials on Friday celebrated the reopening of a renovated CTA Green Line station, marking the first major upgrade to the stop since 1962 and making it the newest fully ADA-accessible station in the Chicago Transit Authority system.

Community members gathered as trains rolled in, highlighting improvements aimed at making the station safer and easier to navigate. Regular rider Sarah Berry said she was relieved to finally have access to a functioning elevator.

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"Glad, glad, glad, 'cause walking up them steps ain't no joke. Yeah, been a long time coming, but OK," she said.

The redesigned groundlevel entrance now includes a ramp to assist older riders and those who need mobility support. Inside, a new escalator and elevator connect the entrance to the platform.

"Public transportation should connect people to opportunity, not create more barriers to it. So, today, we're making it right," Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said at the event.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said accessibility is essential for residents who rely on transit daily.

"Accessibility is a fundamental right, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every resident and visitor can move freely through our city," he said.

Rider GEQ Polk said the upgrades will make travel easier for people carrying luggage and for seniors in the neighborhood. "It's definitely very super exciting, especially if the elevator works," Polk said.

The project cost just over $25 million, with the state covering about 20% and federal funding paying the remainder. The station remained open throughout construction. Its reopening makes it the 110th fully accessible station in the CTA system.

CTA Board Chairman Lester Barclay noted the timing of the celebration, saying, "Today's celebration is particularly timely, as we recently marked the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act."

Officials called the project a milestone and an example of cooperation among federal, state and local governments. With the Austin station now upgraded, the CTA says 75% of its system is fully accessible, with a goal of reaching full accessibility by 2038.