Milwaukee–Dearborn subway
| Company type | Transit infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | March 1939 |
| Fate | Operational |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Chicago Loop |
| Products | Subway transit service |
| Parent | Chicago Transit Authority |
The Milwaukee–Dearborn subway comprises a 3.85-mile subterranean section of the Chicago "L" network located within the Chicago Loop, serving as the core segment of the Blue Line. In 2019, it accommodated an average weekday ridership of 47,917 passengers. Functioning around the clock, it ensures uninterrupted transit service in Chicago's downtown area.
History
The Milwaukee–Dearborn subway was financed through federal assistance provided by New Deal initiatives amid the Great Depression, receiving funds via a grant and loan from the Works Progress Administration. Construction commenced in March 1939, predominantly utilizing tunnel boring machinery with limited cut-and-cover excavation. Progress slowed due to wartime material shortages during World War II; by 1942, completion reached approximately 80%, but work was suspended to prioritize the State Street subway project. Construction activities restarted in December 1945.
The subway officially began operations on February 25, 1951. In 1958, it was extended southward beneath Congress Parkway to link with the Congress Branch situated in the Eisenhower Expressway median, which included the addition of Clinton Street station. The Grand/Milwaukee station was closed in 1992 because of budget constraints and low usage but reopened seven years later in 1999. The line experienced a temporary shutdown during the April 1992 Chicago flood.
A distinctive feature is that Washington, Monroe, and Jackson stations share a continuous platform beneath Dearborn Street, improving passenger circulation within the Loop.
Incidents
A derailment occurred on July 11, 2006, inside the Milwaukee–Dearborn subway, resulting in a fire and a temporary closure of the line. Approximately 150 individuals sustained injuries, though no fatalities were reported.
Service
On February 21, 1993, the CTA introduced color-coded designations for its lines, incorporating this subway segment into what is now known as the Blue Line. This line operates continuously throughout the day and night, linking O'Hare International Airport with Forest Park.
Station listing
| Station | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Cta | 1200 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago | |
| Template:Cta | 800 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago | |
| Template:Cta | 502 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago | |
| Template:Cta Disabled access | 124 W. Lake Street, Chicago | Formerly known as Lake Transfer |
| Template:Cta | 127 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago | |
| Template:Cta | 30 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago | |
| Template:Cta Disabled access | 312 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago | |
| Template:Cta Template:Rint | 150 W. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago | Originally named Congress Terminal |
| Template:Cta Template:Rint | 426 S. Clinton Street, Chicago |
