CTA to ‘Refresh & Renew’ 29 Stations in 2023

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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Chicago CTA train departs from the station in downtown.
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The Chicago Transit Authority has announced that 29 rail stations will be repaired and upgraded in 2023 as part of its ongoing station improvement program Refresh & Renew, a key initiative of the agency’s "Meeting the Moment" Action Plan.

The Refresh & Renew program, launched in 2019, assists in keeping CTA stations in good repair by performing routine maintenance that improves the safety, security, and overall look and feel of facilities. 

In 2023, crews are set to perform an estimated $6.5 million in repairs and improvements at dozens of rail stations across seven rail lines, as well as some Loop Elevated stations, a release said. 

“We are committed to providing our customers and employees with a safe and comfortable transit environment, and the Refresh & Renew program is a vital tool in helping us deliver on that promise,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “In addition to performing small cosmetic repairs, we’re also working to provide a safer transit environment by proactively addressing some of the larger issues before they arise.” 

Before beginning work at a location, crews will conduct an inspection to identify any items that require immediate or near-term repair or replacement.

Concrete repairs, removal of outdated fixtures and equipment, repairs to utility and plumbing lines, and other improvements have been made as part of this program. Smaller cosmetic upgrades such as painting and replacing sheet metal or damaged signage, lighting upgrades, surface cleaning and repair, and power washing will also be performed.

In addition to the station enhancements, the CTA recently launched its seasonal power-washing teams. This separate group of personnel are dispatched during overnight hours and tasked with scrubbing and power washing the surfaces of CTA’s stations, a release said. 

Each of the CTA’s 145 rail stations is power washed at least once a month between the spring and fall seasons as part of routine station cleaning efforts. These cleaning efforts are highlighted in a new in-system ad campaign called “Goodbye Grime.”

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