Oak Park station (CTA Blue Line)
| Company type | Chicago 'L' rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | March 20, 1960 |
| Headquarters | Oak Park, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
Oak Park serves as a stop on the Chicago 'L' network, specifically on the Blue Line's Forest Park branch, catering to the community of Oak Park, Illinois. Positioned within the Eisenhower Expressway median between Oak Park Avenue and East Avenue, the station also includes a secondary entrance close to the Oak Park Conservatory.
Chicago Terminal Transfer (1893–1902)
As early as 1893, the site was home to a "Kirwin" station operated by the Chicago Terminal Transfer Railroad.
AE&C (1902–1905)
Service commenced on August 5, 1902, by the interurban Aurora Elgin and Chicago Railway (AE&C), which included a stop at Oak Park Avenue.
Garfield Park "L" (1905–1958)
Since 1895, the Garfield Park branch, managed by the Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad, linked with the AE&C at 52nd Avenue. On March 11, 1905, it assumed responsibility for local transit westward to Des Plaines Avenue, enabling AE&C to concentrate on routes into downtown Chicago. Both AE&C and its successor, the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad (CA&E), continued offering westbound express services at Oak Park.
Blue Line (1960–present)
The existing station was inaugurated on March 20, 1960, as part of the Congress Line development.
Structure
This facility consists of one island platform situated south of the Eisenhower Expressway, with access points at each end. The principal entrance is located on the west side at Oak Park Avenue and is reached by an extended ramp. A secondary entrance, restricted to farecard holders, is found at the east end near East Avenue and is connected through stairs and a pedestrian walkway. South of the station run the CSX (Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal Railroad) tracks.
Bus connections
- 311 Oak Park Avenue