CTA completes Damen Station restoration

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) reopened on Monday the Damen Blue Line Station following a $13 million modernization that's part of a $492 million effort to improve the Blue Line.

The station's improvements include new architectural lighting, new roofing, improved signage, additional turnstiles and wider gates, refurbished walls, stairs and platforms, new bike racks and a larger stationhouse footprint. Built in 1895, the station was modernized to improve passenger comfort and restore historic features, CTA officials said in a press release.

The restoration is part of CTA's "Your New Blue" project, which represents the largest investment in the Blue Line’s O'Hare branch since it opened 30 years ago. The project is designed to create more reliable service and a more welcoming environment for Blue Line riders. In addition to rehabilitating 13 stations, the project includes repairing track infrastructure and upgrading power and signal systems along the O'Hare branch, which serves about 80,000 passengers each weekday, CTA officials said.