New Damen Station on CTA Green Line opens
CHICAGO (WLS) -- With the Democratic National Convention just two weeks away, thousands of delegates and politicians will descend on the United Center and McCormick Place.
"The DNC is just 12 days away," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. "We are ready to host the world in the greatest freaking city in the world, the city of Chicago."
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But will it be easy for them to get there?
Chicago commuters have already been dealing with traffic headaches on the Kennedy Expressway because of construction, so how will the influx of visitors navigate the area?
Public transportation has become even more convenient with the grand opening of a new stop on the Green Line.
"People in these communities have been neglected from access to public transportation for many years," said 37th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett.
Seven years after plans were first announced under then-mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Damen Green Line station at Damen and Lake is now officially open.
It fills a 1.5-mile gap between the Ashland and California Green Line stops and sits less than a half-mile away from the United Center.
"It will improve travel by providing visitors a new means of getting to and from Bulls and Blackhawks games, concerts and other special events at the United Center, including the upcoming DNC," said CTA President Dorval Carter. "I am proud of our new Damen Station, as an equity center, infrastructure project that will ensure better transit service for those in this community who need us the most."
The CTA said it is planning on making minor service adjustments to accommodate the anticipated rise in ridership demand, including increased capacity middays on the Blue and Orange lines over the weekend, and increased capacity during the evenings on the Green Line and on the weekdays of the convention.
It was also reported months ago that the CTA could provide as many as 250 buses for use during the DNC.
Johnson took the train himself to the ribbon cutting Monday morning, as the Green Line is closest to his West Side home.
It's the only line that touches the West and the South sides and we know that when it comes to accessibility for the people of this region," Johnson said. "We have to continue to draw to make sure we close the gaps between those who have and those who desire."
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The station was originally slated to open back in 2020, but was hit with delays plagued by the pandemic and supply chain issues.
The $80 million,5,000-square-foot station is fully accessible, includes a big mural, escalators and elevators.
"This is truly one of the most visually compelling stations in Chicago," said Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Tom Carney. "Not only is a crucial mobility hub, but it's also a stunning addition to the Near West Side."
Those who will nearby said they've been waiting for this L stop to open, and it's much needed.
"It's been a long time coming and it's exciting," Alan Vaughters, who lives nearby, said. "This helps make my life easier getting around for different job sites that I go to so it'll save me time, it'll save me energy... I don't have to worry about biking all the way across town all the time."
A CTA station previously existed at the location, but was closed 76 years ago.
Rideshare companies like Uber say that closer to the convention, they will reach out to riders and drivers in the area to share more information and help them plan.
"As we do for many large events, Uber is working with event staff and city officials to help ensure smooth, safe, and reliable operations for riders and drivers throughout the week," Uber said.
