Rockwell Reopens

Today saw the reopening of the first two stations in the CTA's Countdown to a New Brown expansion project. Rockwell and Kedzie are two of the grade-crossing stations near the end of the Brown Line. For those unfamiliar with the project, it is in response to the growing number of riders along the line, which right now can only accommodate trains with six cars. The plan will allow eight car trains, meaning the platforms need to be longer. As well, all the stations will be accessible. In this case, it means ramping up to the platform from the street; other stations will require elevators and ADA-compliant stairs.

Here are some photos of the Rockwell station I took earlier today.


While the design probably won't win any awards, it's a definite improvement over its previous incarnation.


The station now has a stronger presence along Rockwell Avenue, a small retail/business area with an almost small town feel.


The grade crossing adds to the small town feel.


The interior is much more spacious than before, allowing people to wait inside in inclement weather.


Most of the station is platform, so it's a shame the CTA didn't include a canopy or any additional shelters for people waiting, given that the kiosk area is situated at the far end of the platform. Additional access is available via a turnstile at the other end of the platform, behind where I'm taking the above image.


Some new "seating" inside, next to the standard issue City of Chicago trash can. Can't say I understand why the CTA opted for this sort of furniture inside and very few benches and new round seats outside. The stations have always suffered from a lack of seating. Hopefully, in this case Rockwell isn't an indication of what to expect for the elevated stations to follow.