Washington/Wells (CTA)

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For other 'L' stations on the Chicago Transit Authority named Washington, see Washington (CTA).
Washington/Wells
Coordinates: 100 N, 200 W
Lines: Orange
Pink
Purple
Brown
Platforms: 2
Opened: 1995
2006 passenger entrances: 1,937,393 8%

Washington/Wells (properly read "Washington and Wells") is a station on the Chicago Transit Authority's 'L' system, located in downtown Chicago, Illinois on the Chicago Loop elevated at 100 North Wells Street (directional coordinates 100 north, 200 west). It is the second-newest station in the Loop, opened on July 17, 1995. It is located a few blocks from several major attractions and business centers, such as Chicago City Hall, the Civic Opera House, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. It is also three blocks east of the Ogilvie Transportation Center, terminal for several Metra lines.

The Washington/Wells station replaced two former Loop stations, Randolph/Wells to the north and Madison/Wells to the south.

The station itself is actually situated between Washington and Madison Street and is constructed of steel and concrete, with wooden platforms. A large, open mezzanine is accessible by stairs just south of Washington on either side of Wells, and the station is also accessible via elevators. Just past several turnstiles are stairwells leading to the platform level; the easternmost stairs go to the Inner Loop platform while the westernmost go to the Outer Loop. Both platforms are serviced by dedicated elevators. It is possible to go from one platform to the other without leaving the paid area, making Washington/Wells a transfer station. The platforms are covered by a canopy from Washington to Madison; the platform continues over Madison. There are auxiliary exits on both ends of both platforms to the east sides of Washington and Madison. Both platforms can handle eight-car trains, the longest possible on the CTA system.

As of 2006, Washington/Wells serves the Brown Line (which goes counterclockwise on the Outer Loop) and the Orange Line (which goes clockwise on the Inner Loop). During weekday rush periods, Purple Line Express trains share the Inner Loop platform with the Orange Line. The Pink Line, in a six-month trial period that started in June 2006, also uses the Inner Loop tracks.

[edit] External links

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One-way operation
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One-way operation
   Brown Line  


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