If you rely on the State/Lake L stop, start planning for an alternative. The station, one of the Loop’s oldest and busiest elevated stations, is about to close for a full restoration that's expected to take three years to complete. According to a press release, the over-100-year-old stop will close on January 5, 2026, for a full teardown and rebuild that will run until 2029. The project will result in a modern, accessible hub with wider platforms, elevators, a glass canopy and new lighting.
What riders can expect
Once the station shuts down, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink and Purple Line trains will skip the stop. Riders will need to use nearby options like Washington/Wabash or Clark/Lake. The underground Lake Red Line stop will help fill the gap too.
If you depend on buses along State Street, service will continue but some temporary reroutes are possible as crews begin the early demolition prep. Be prepared for surprise detours once the project begins.
What drivers and pedestrians can expect
The disruption will affect streets and sidewalks as well. Eastbound Lake Street between State and Wabash will see intermittent closures starting December 8. The closures will take place mostly during non-peak hours, but will likely have a ripple effect through adjacent streets. Construction staging, equipment and a steady flow of workers mean the area will be more crowded.
Pedestrians should expect tighter walkways, temporary barriers and added construction noise. Nothing out of the ordinary for a major Chicago rebuild, but noticeable if State/Lake is part of your daily commute.
What the new station will deliver
The new State/Lake station aims to fix the bottlenecks that have plagued the old station for decades. Wider platforms will ease the crush during the morning and evening rush. Full ADA accessibility is finally coming thanks to a pair of new elevators. The design calls for a sweeping glass canopy that will bring in more daylight and keep riders dry during downpours. Better lighting throughout the structure should improve visibility and give the entire space a cleaner look.
Find more information about the project at statelakestation.org.