Evanston Aldermen Wynne & Grover Make Case to CTA Board about Purple Line Viaduct Repairs
Last week Evanston Aldermen Melissa Wynne (Third Ward) and Jane Grover (Seventh Ward) attended the November CTA Board
meeting on behalf of the City of Evanston. The purpose of the visit was to advocate for the inclusion of funding for three Evanston Purple Line viaducts to CTA’s five year capital plan.
“I am so energized to lend Evanston’s support to the CTA Board’s discussion regarding adding funding to the CTA’s capital plan to make needed replacements to three of the Purple Line viaducts in Evanston,” explained Third Ward Alderman Melissa Wynne. “I see daily the impact old viaducts make not just on the neighborhoods they divide, but also on the overall economic health of Evanston.”
“Within two Evanston wards, the Chicago Dempster Business District strives to provide customers a variety of personalized business services. The 60 merchants are located within a four block radius of the Dempster CTA Station. Yet, some of the shops and companies see the CTA viaduct as a barrier to commerce. On the east side of the viaduct the businesses thrive, with people walking Chicago Avenue and west on Dempster until the viaduct,” added Wynne. “Conversely, those businesses on the west side of the viaduct confront less foot traffic because many customers are unwilling to walk west under the viaduct to businesses due to its old and unsafe appearance.”
Replacing Evanston’s CTA viaducts will help change the flow of customers to business on both sides of the viaducts. This is just one huge positive consequence of this improvement. Replacing Evanston’s Purple Line viaducts will result in similar strong and optimistic impacts along the entire line. While the City of Evanston recognizes that difficult economic times require prioritizing limited financial resources, using some of CTA’s limited capital dollars on this project will be a sound investment by CTA with long term benefits, not just for Evanston, but for the whole CTA Red-Purple Line Corridor.
The CTA board discussed, and added, the total reconstruction of three Evanston viaducts (Grove St., Greenleaf St. and Dempster St.) to the CTA five year capital plan. The City’s comments were well received by the CTA board members who were grateful that Evanston sent elected officials to support their efforts to increase funding. President Rodriguez specifically highlighted the positive relationship developing between CTA and the City of Evanston.
The City of Evanston is looking forward to the time when shovels start to break ground. Wednesday’s meeting highlights how the City can help directly influence the regional service boards as well as other policy matters on the state, regional and federal level. View photos here>>>