CTA unveils refurbished station near Loyola University

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) late last week officially unveiled the updated Loyola Red Line Station and community plaza, which underwent a $17 million revitalization project.

The project included station and track infrastructure upgrades, a reconfigured pedestrian crossing and a new open-air plaza next to the station. The CTA also repaired the viaduct over Sheridan Road, completed concrete repairs and waterproofing work, installed a new drainage system and performed track repairs along the viaduct.

The project created a "safer, more inviting environment" for pedestrians and commuters, CTA officials said in a press release.

The project was funded through a public-private partnership between the Federal Transit Administration, CTA, Loyola University and the local community. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) secured $10 million in federal funding for the project in the fiscal-year 2010 Transportation and Housing Appropriations Bill, and $1 million in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU).

The $10 million enabled the CTA to make upgrades and repairs to the stationhouse and adjacent infrastructure. The remaining project costs reflect the construction of the adjacent plaza space, which was separately funded and overseen by Loyola University.

"CTA rail stations are often described as gateways to the communities in which they sit," said CTA President Forrest Claypool. "Loyola Station is a critical part of Loyola students' and employees' daily lives."