Irving Park station (CTA Blue Line)
| Company type | Chicago Transit Authority station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Irving Park serves as a station on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line and is positioned within the median of the Kennedy Expressway, located in the Irving Park neighborhood. Taking its name from the adjacent cross street, it is one of only two Blue Line stops placed in an expressway median with entry points beneath the platform; the other being Rosemont station. Established in 1970, Irving Park was introduced as part of the Kennedy extension that linked Logan Square to Jefferson Park, improving transit connectivity along this route.
History
In 1970, the Irving Park station commenced operations as a segment of the Blue Line's Kennedy extension reaching Jefferson Park. The station's design was crafted by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and stands out from nearby stations by extending over Irving Park Road and Pulaski Road rather than passing underneath both the Kennedy Expressway and adjacent streets. Its primary entrance is situated beneath the train platforms, differing from other expressway median stations. Additionally, Irving Park features extended platforms capable of handling 10-car trains, unlike the typical 8-car platforms found at other stops. This capacity is supported by a secondary entrance located on Pulaski Road.
On February 10, 1998, the Chicago Transit Authority temporarily shut down the Pulaski Road entrance; it was later reopened in October of the same year, featuring an ATM installation in place of a staffed agent.
Bus and rail connections
- 53 Pulaski (Owl Service)
- 54A North Cicero/Skokie Blvd (Weekday Rush Hours only)
- 80 Irving Park