What to expect as Thorndale closes for rehab

The Thorndale station will close for six weeks starting tonight at 11:59 p.m., the third station of seven to be renovated in the Red North Interim Station Improvements project.

One of the nicest features at Thorndale, the stained beadboard in the canopy, is likely to remain, as it was installed in 2008. (Photo by Patrick Barry)

So what does that mean? 

You'll know by Saturday and Sunday, when crews will likely be tearing out the old wooden platform, to replace it with pre-cast concrete sections, and taking apart the 90-year-old stationhouse. At Morse Avenue, which reopened last week after similar treatment, the stationhouse was gutted to the bare walls and the floor removed before being faithfully reconstructed to a high level of finish. 

The project at Thorndale will include many of the same elements as Morse, according to the CTA's web site, including:

• Concrete repairs, painting and sealing/coating of the viaduct
• New waterproofing and drainage system on the viaduct
• Upgraded lighting under the viaduct
• New trackbed, ties and rails on the viaduct and through the station area
• Masonry repairs and new tuckpointing on the station house exterior
• New windows, doors and exterior lighting on the station house
• New station house interior finishes (i.e. walls, flooring, ceiling), lighting and signage
• Improved station house interior layout/circulation
• Sidewalk repairs and new bike racks outside of the station house
• New platform foundations, decking, fixtures and furnishings
• Refurbished canopy structure

Station watchers needed

Thorndale under the tracks, pre-construction, is our new Facebook cover photo. Thanks to contributor Wayne Seltzer for taking it and submitting it via email.