Belmont station (CTA North Side Main Line)
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | May 31, 1900 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services (Red, Brown, Purple Lines) |
| Website | www |
Belmont station is part of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 'L' system, positioned on the North Side Main Line. It is consistently serviced by the Red and Brown Lines, with additional Purple Line Express trains stopping during weekday peak periods. Situated at 945 West Belmont Avenue within Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, this elevated facility includes two island platforms flanked by four tracks. The Brown and Purple Lines utilize the outer tracks, while the inner tracks accommodate Red Line trains.
Functioning as a vital transfer hub, Belmont also acts as the Brown Line terminal during late-night and early-morning shuttle runs to Kimball. The vicinity around the station blends residential areas with a variety of retail outlets, dining establishments, and nightlife venues. Its architectural layout closely mirrors that of Fullerton station, differing primarily due to its role as a terminal point.
Location
Belmont station can be found along West Belmont Avenue near North Sheffield Avenue in Chicago’s Lakeview district. This neighborhood presents a combination of commercial and residential properties. Notably, The Vic Theater lies just under half a block westward on Sheffield Avenue.
History
Belmont station was constructed between 1896 and 1900 as part of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad expansion and officially opened on May 31, 1900. Initially, it featured two island platforms supported by a steel framework with tracks running on each side. In 1907, the addition of the Ravenswood branch—currently known as the Brown Line—introduced a bridge connecting platforms to facilitate transfers between northbound and southbound trains. The original station house was positioned on Belmont’s south side, containing turnstiles and a customer service booth, with stairways ascending to the platforms. Prior to 1963, a side platform served southbound trains of the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad.
From 2006 through 2009, Belmont underwent extensive renovations under the Brown Line Capacity Expansion Project. The original station building was refurbished and relocated north of Belmont Avenue, while new platforms were widened and equipped with canopies and elevators to enhance accessibility. Unlike other stations involved in this project, Belmont remained operational throughout construction by utilizing a temporary entrance located east of its original access point. Project offices and staging areas were established immediately north of the station.
The construction commenced in 2006 amid community opposition due to forced displacement of local businesses for construction staging space. During this period, a temporary three-track operation replaced the standard four-track arrangement; full four-track service was restored on December 20, 2008. Federal funding stipulated project completion by the end of 2009; elevators became operational on December 29 that year, significantly improving access for passengers with disabilities.
Train services
Belmont station accommodates service from CTA’s Red, Brown, and Purple Lines. The Red Line runs continuously throughout the day and night, while Brown Line trains operate from 4:00 a.m. to 2:20 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 5:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. on Sundays. Purple Line Express trains serve the station during weekday rush hours from 5:20 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., then again from 2:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. Train intervals vary between every three to ten minutes during peak times and can extend up to fifteen minutes overnight. In 2021, Belmont recorded an annual boarding figure of 1,481,708 passengers.
Bus connections
- 22 Clark (Overnight Service)
- 77 Belmont (Overnight Service)
The 77 Belmont route serves a stop right at the station, while the 22 Clark route has a stop a short distance away on Clark Street.
External links
- Belmont station information on the CTA official website
- Belmont station details at Chicago-'L'.org