Easy Access Springfield

500 E. Madison St. (Cross Street: N. 6th St.)
Springfield, IL 62701
217-557-4588
www.alplm.org/

Opened in 1898 by the Illinois Central Railroad, Union Station saw its last passenger train in 1971. After narrowly avoiding demolition, the lovely red brick and stone building with its soaring clock tower was fully restored in March 2007 and now serves as the Illinois Visitors Center. It is also a gateway to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located just opposite. The accessible ramped entrance is on E. Madison St. While the separate waiting rooms for men and women still have their original oak benches, the restrooms, including a single use facility, are updated and accessible. Union Square Park on the south side of the station is an attraction in itself with its beautiful flower gardens, benches and Lincoln statues. The central brick-paved space is used in summer for concerts and other performances. See the Calendar of Events on the website.

Hours

• Visitors Center
  • Daily: 9am-5pm
  • Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Union Square Park
  • Daily: 8am-10pm

Admission

• Free

Parking/Loading Zone

• Accessible loading zone
  • Location—Madison east of Sixth St.
• Street parking
• Nearest offsite public parking lot/garage
  • Public Parking Garage
    6th and Madison

Features for People with Service Animals

• Natural surface/grassy dog relief area
  • Location—Union Square Park south of Union Station

Features for People with Hearing Loss

• Print Information
  • Brochure on history of Union Station
• Strobe fire alarms in public areas and restrooms

Features for People with Vision Loss

• Orientation to station—on request
• Braille/Tactile Signage—restrooms
• Interior Signage—large print, high contrast, non-glare
• Height clearance at least 80”
• No undetectable protruding objects in path of travel

Accessible Entrance

• Ramped entry
  • Location—Madison St.
  • Short ramps with one handrail
• Door has at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• 2 doors in series—adequate space between
• Easy grasp/lever handle or none

Assistive Equipment for Guests with Physical Disabilities

• Wheelchair
• Available from—Information desk
• Interior Access
• Corridor/path of travel at least 36" wide

Elevator

• None for public use

Exterior Access

• Sidewalk/path of travel at least 36" wide
• Stable/non-slip surface
• Surface material—concrete, smooth brick pavers

Accessible Facilities/Amenities

• Information Counter—36" max.
• Brochure racks
• Seating—benches with arms
• Drinking Fountain
• Covered patio with picnic tables

Exhibits

• On accessible route
• Space to approach/view/maneuver
• Labels are viewable from seated position

Performance Space—Union Square Park

• Circular, smooth brick-paved area just south of station
• Moveable seating or none

Accessible Public Restroom

• Unisex/Single Use
• Location
  • Between station waiting rooms
• Access symbol identifies facility
• Entry door at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• Space in restroom to maneuver—5' by 5' or T-shaped space to turn
• Door swings out
• Grab bar behind and alongside toilet
• Lateral transfer space at least 30" wide
• Toilet height 17" to 19"
• Roll under sink with knee clearance at least 27" high and 30" wide
• Insulated sink pipes
• Mirror 40" or less from floor or tilted
• Towels/soap/vending within reach—48" or less from floor
• Faucet controls automatic or lever type
• Latch operable with closed fist
• Easy grasp/lever handle or none
• Note: Men's and women's restrooms located behind the information desk also are wheelchair accessible.