Chicago, IL – Metra riders who rely on accessible transit will soon face temporary changes in downtown Chicago as construction begins on a major renovation project at Millennium Station.
According to Metra, the agency has launched a dedicated ADA-friendly trip planner to help riders navigate accessibility changes tied to the upcoming replacement of the South Water Street elevator at Millennium Station. The project will temporarily eliminate elevator access to the station, creating challenges for passengers who require accessible entry.
Transit officials say the elevator replacement is part of a broader renovation of the South Water Street entrance to the busy downtown terminal. The construction is expected to last about eight months. During that period, Millennium Station will not be ADA-accessible.
According to information provided by Metra, riders who need elevator access should instead use the Van Buren Street Station or the 11th Street/Museum Campus Station along the Metra Electric Line while the elevator is out of service. Both locations provide accessible options for passengers with mobility needs.
To assist riders during the construction period, Metra has created a webpage that will provide real-time updates about accessibility conditions, elevator outages and alternative boarding options. The agency says the page will be updated beginning Tuesday, April 15.
Metra also noted that several South Side stations — including 79th Street/Chatham, 87th Street/Woodruff and 103rd Street/Rosemoor — were recently upgraded to be fully ADA-accessible. However, those stations may occasionally experience temporary accessibility interruptions due to ongoing construction work tied to track shifts near 95th Street.
When those temporary boarding procedures occur, riders may have to board trains from ground level, which is not accessible for all passengers. Metra officials say updates will be posted on the ADA trip planner page whenever those conditions are in effect.
Transit officials encourage riders who depend on accessible stations to review the new trip planner before traveling to help avoid disruptions during the construction period.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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