Normal Park branch
| Company type | Rapid transit branch |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1907-05-25 |
| Defunct | 1954-01-29 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Englewood, Chicago |
| Products | Rapid transit service |
The Normal Park branch was a segment of the Chicago "L" rapid transit network, operational between 1907 and 1954. This line served the Englewood area and featured four elevated stops along its route. It commenced service on May 25, 1907, and ceased operations on January 29, 1954.
Operations
Linking with the Englewood Branch at Harvard station, the Normal Park branch extended southwestward, terminating at 69th and Parnell. The service predominantly ran single-car trains, with occasional two-car formations during weekday peak periods. Despite relatively low patronage, stations were constructed to accommodate trains up to eight cars in length, a capacity rarely seen within the CTA system at that period. The majority of passengers originated near the terminal adjacent to the Chicago Normal School and a modest commercial zone.
Passenger volumes remained consistently modest, particularly between Harvard and 69th stations. By the time of its closure in 1954, the line had been reduced to a shuttle operation between these endpoints; most intermediate stops were largely out of service, and the 69th station was partially shuttered. The branch was fully dismantled by mid-1954.
Subsequently, from 1967 to 1969, the Dan Ryan branch (now part of the Red Line) was developed, featuring a new 69th station situated approximately half a mile from the former Normal Park terminal. In contrast to its predecessor, this modern 69th station ranks among the busiest within the CTA network.
Station listing
| Station | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Cta | Harvard Avenue and 63rd Street | |
| Template:Cta | 65th Street and Stewart Avenue | |
| Template:Cta | Marquette Road and Stewart Avenue | |
| Template:Cta | 69th Street and Parnell Avenue | Superseded by 69th |