Cermak–Chinatown station
| Company type | Chicago Transit Authority station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
| Website | https://www.transitchicago.com/station/cermak/ |
Cermak-Chinatown serves as a station on Chicago's Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line, situated within the Chinatown district of the city. The station's architecture incorporates elements inspired by Chinese culture, such as two tile murals inscribed with "Welcome to Chinatown" in Chinese characters, alongside guardian "foo dog" lion sculptures positioned at the entrance to signify protection. The platform trash receptacles are adorned in red and green hues, colors traditionally associated with good fortune and longevity in Chinese symbolism.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Cermak–Chinatown shares its architectural style with the other eight stations along the Dan Ryan Branch, including 95th/Dan Ryan. The station’s external walls feature Chinese opera mask motifs, reflecting the cultural heritage of the community it serves. Operating continuously around the clock, this station is an integral part of Red Line service. In 2014, annual ridership figures reached 1,567,588 passengers.
Truck collision
On April 25, 2008, a collision involving a semi truck struck the station, resulting in two fatalities and 21 injuries, seven of which were critical. The impact caused partial structural collapse of the facility. Eyewitnesses indicated that the truck was exiting the northbound lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway. The driver was apprehended but later passed away within that same year.
Renovation
Originally opened in 1969, the station had seen prior modernization efforts before the accident. After the crash, CTA authorities announced plans for a comprehensive reconstruction beginning in autumn 2009. On June 4, 2010, a new auxiliary entrance on Archer Avenue was inaugurated to enhance connectivity to the 62 Archer bus route and nearby commercial areas such as Chinatown Square and Richland Center. The main entrance located on the northern side of Cermak Road resumed service on April 15, 2011, featuring an elevator to improve accessibility. Subsequently, the auxiliary entrance on the southern side reopened on April 30, 2011.
Between May 19 and October 20, 2013, Cermak-Chinatown along with all stations on the Dan Ryan Branch of the Red Line were closed for the Red Line South Reconstruction Project. During this period, a complimentary shuttle bus provided transport to Roosevelt, where passengers could transfer to alternate Red Line routes running on the South Side Elevated tracks.
Bus connections
- 21 Cermak
- 24 Wentworth (operates weekdays only)
- 62 Archer