Bryn Mawr station (CTA)
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1886 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
Bryn Mawr is a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line stop situated at 1119 West Bryn Mawr Avenue within the Bryn Mawr Historic District in Edgewater, Chicago, Illinois. Positioned between Thorndale station, approximately half a mile to the north, and Berwyn station, about three-eighths of a mile to the south, this station consists of four tracks with a central island platform. Purple Line express trains during weekday peak hours traverse the outer tracks without making stops here.
The station's designation originates from the Bryn Mawr station on SEPTA Regional Rail located northwest of Philadelphia. This name was chosen in the 1880s by John Lewis Cochran, the developer of Edgewater. The term "Bryn Mawr" translates from Welsh as "Big Hill."
History
Around 1886, a depot was constructed at Bryn Mawr along the Evanston route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad. In 1908, when the Northwestern Elevated Railroad extended its line northward from Wilson—superseding service by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad—it opened a station initially called Edgewater Station. The station underwent reconstruction in 1921 by architect Charles P. Rawson during the elevation of tracks between Wilson and Howard, after which it was renamed Bryn Mawr. Upgrades in 1974 introduced an escalator, and additional improvements in 2006 included new signage and three-sided pylons featuring maps and schedules.
Red & Purple Modernization Project
Under the Red & Purple Modernization Project, Bryn Mawr station was reconstructed to include a broader platform, enhanced signage, improved lighting, security camera installations, and elevators. The renovation commenced in May 2021 and reached completion in July 2025.
During Stage A of construction, northbound tracks were closed; northbound trains operated on the southbound side of the original platform while southbound trains utilized a temporary side platform built on the former Purple Line express track. Unlike Argyle station’s shared temporary entrance, Bryn Mawr maintained separate access points for northbound and southbound platforms outside the fare-controlled zone.
Stage B (2023–2025) involved closing the two western tracks; consequently, all train service shifted to newly constructed eastern tracks featuring side platforms located just south of the original platform. Due to limited space for a temporary northbound platform, only southbound trains made stops at Bryn Mawr during this phase. Following Stage B’s conclusion on July 20, 2025, train operations returned to their original track layout.
Services
Bryn Mawr caters to commuters traveling between the Edgewater district and various locations throughout Chicago. The station remains open around the clock, with trains arriving every four to ten minutes on weekdays and every six to ten minutes during weekends. Overnight "owl" service operates at intervals of 15 minutes or longer.
The station building is situated on the northern side of Bryn Mawr Avenue, featuring an additional exit directly opposite. Fare gates are positioned at street level inside the station; beyond this point, travelers reach the island platform by means of stairs, an elevator, or an escalator. Facilities for bicycle parking are also provided.
Bus connections
- 36 Broadway
- 84 Peterson