CTA completes $280 million 95th Street terminal overhaul

On Friday, the north terminal of the CTA’s new 95th Street transit facility officially opened for business on Chicago’s Far South Side. Straddling the median of the Dan Ryan Expressway, the newly completed structure complements the stop’s south terminal, which opened in April.

The station’s two wings are connected by an elevated pedestrian bridge spanning 95th Street. The walkway—combined with new canopies above loading zones—gives the new transit hub all-weather functionality and improved accessibility while reducing conflicts between pedestrians and buses.

Under construction since 2014, the complicated, multi-phase project was completed with the help of F.H. Paschen and partner Milhouse Engineering & Construction. The design of the figure-eight-shaped project comes from architectural firm EXP.

Brian Fritz Photography

In addition to operational improvements, the new terminal will also feature public art from local artist Theaster Gates including a pair of tapestries stitched together from decommissioned fire hoses and a live radio DJ booth. Both installations are expected to debut later this year.

The 95th Street project was financed through a combination of local, state, and federal dollars. At $280 million, it is the most expensive station project in CTA history, noted the Chicago Tribune. That figure, however, may soon be eclipsed by an estimated $300 million 15th Street Red Line stop proposed next to the mixed-use megadevelopment known as The 78.

While the new 95th Street station currently represents the end of the line, city officials hope to eventually extend the Red Line south to 130th Street. The CTA revealed a preliminary route for the proposed 5.3-mile extension early last year and identified possible locations for four additional stations. Work on that project could begin in 2022, provided the city secures an estimated $2.3 billion in funding.

Brian Fritz Photography

• Public art and DJ booth headed to new 95th Street Red Line terminal [Curbed Chicago]
• CTA shows new renderings for 95th Street station [Curbed Chicago]
• Previous public transportation coverage [Curbed Chicago]