UIC–Halsted station
| Company type | Chicago "L" rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Predecessor | Metropolitan Main Line Halsted station (closed 1958) |
| Founded | 1895 (original Halsted station) |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Chicago, Illinois |
| Products | Rapid transit services (Blue Line) |
UIC–Halsted (previously known as Halsted and U of I-Halsted) is a station on the Chicago "L" system, served by the Blue Line operated by the CTA. It provides transit access to the University of Illinois Chicago, the surrounding University Village area, and the Greektown district located in Chicago's Near West Side neighborhood.
History
The initial Halsted station was part of the Metropolitan Main Line, which preceded the Congress line. It opened in 1895 and included four tracks along with two island platforms, accommodating all Metropolitan "L" routes entering downtown Chicago. This station ceased operations in 1958 when it was replaced by a new facility constructed within the median of the Congress Expressway as a component of the Congress Line project. The new station took the place of both the Garfield Park branch and the earlier Metropolitan Main Line that ran along an alley now situated beneath the expressway. Consistent with other stations on the Congress, Dan Ryan, and O'Hare Lines, it was designed with a single island platform. Originally named "Halsted," the station's title was updated to "U of I-Halsted" in 1965 coinciding with the opening of the University of Illinois campus in Chicago; this change also introduced an entrance on Peoria Street to facilitate campus access. Despite this official renaming, older signage remains and some local residents continue to use "U of I-Halsted." When the university adopted the UIC designation in 1982, the station name was accordingly revised to "UIC–Halsted," as reflected on CTA maps and station signage.
Location
At UIC–Halsted, the median of the Eisenhower Expressway is notably wider than required for its two tracks and offset island platform, which occupy only the southern portion of this space. The Peoria Street station house, constructed in 1964, is positioned centrally over the median rather than directly above the platform itself. This placement was intended to support a proposed high-level subway line extending from this point beneath Clinton Street through an abandoned tunnel toward Grant Park—a project that ultimately never materialized. The only remnants of this plan are the location of the station house and two additional portals situated east of Halsted. Subsequently, non-electrified tracks were installed within the northern section of the median to serve as staging areas for materials and maintenance vehicles. To the west of UIC–Halsted, stub tracks exist that enable trains to short-turn at this station; this operational pattern is utilized for approximately half of off-peak service runs.
Amenities
There are three access points to this station: Halsted Street, Morgan Street, and Peoria Street entrances. The Morgan Street entrance houses a spacious enclosed waiting area equipped with electronic displays showing train arrival information. At Halsted Street, passengers have access to a Chase ATM machine. The Peoria Street entrance underwent renovations from June 2014 until August 2015 and reopened on August 31, 2015; its elevator became functional on May 24, 2016.
Bus connections
- 7 Harrison (operates weekdays only)
- 8 Halsted
- 60 Blue Island/26th (provides Owl Service)
- 126 Jackson