Washington/Wells (CTA)

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, and opened on July 17, 1995. Washington/Wells 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. The station 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 also 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.

Washington/Wells serves the Brown Line and Purple Line Express (which travel counterclockwise on the Outer Loop), and the Orange Line and Pink Line (which travel clockwise on the Inner Loop).

CTA Bus Connections

The Washington/Wells station lost all eastbound bus service when construction on Block 37 began and Washington bus routes were diverted to Wacker Drive or Monroe Street. Westbound service is still maintained on Madison Street, just south of the station.

*11 - Lincoln/Sedgwick
*14 - Jeffery Express
*20 - Madison (Owl Service)
*X20 - Madison/Washington Express
*56 - Milwaukee
*60 - Blue Island/26th (Owl Service)
*124 - Navy Pier
*127 - Madison/Roosevelt Circulator
*157 - Streeterville

External links

* [http://www.chicago-l.org/stations/washington-wells.html Washington/Wells Station Page] at Chicago-'L'.org
* [http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/rail/WashingtonElevated.html Train schedules] at [http://www.transitchicago.com/ CTA official site]