RTA wins grant to make Blue Line stations ADA accessible

• The All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), part of the 2021 Infrastructure Bill, provides capital funding to enhance these stations for the millions of Americans with mobility concerns.

Driving the news: Eight agencies across the country received money this year, including RTA's $16 million to go towards stops along the Rapid Transit Blue Line.

• Per RTA, improvements will include replacing 40-year-old platforms with new concrete platforms with "tactile warning panels," installing new and redesigned ramps, and improving station access via parking lot curb ramps.
• The stations scheduled for enhancements are Drexmore, South Woodland, Southington, Onaway, Ashby, Avalon, Kenmore, and Lynnfield.

Yes, but: Per the RTA, construction is still a couple years away.

Catch up quick: The agency also won an ASAP grant last year. The $8 million award will fund the reconstruction of the E. 79th Street station, servicing the light rail Blue and Green Lines.

What they're saying: RTA spokesman Bob Fleig told Axios that the E. 79th Street construction will likely begin in early 2025.

• The Blue Line station improvements will follow, probably not until 2026.