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The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) board recently approved a $33.8 million contract to begin work on the second half of the Loop renewal track project, which will involve the replacement of deteriorated track and ties along the Wells and Van Buren elevated tracks.

CTA awarded the contract to Ragnar Benson Construction L.L.C. Funding will be provided by a state grant through the Regional Transportation Authority. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2011 and conclude in late 2012.

In addition, CTA’s board contracted Kiewit Infrastructure to replace three aging viaducts along the Purple Line. The $10.3 million project calls for replacing the concrete viaducts with new steel structures, as well as installing new abutments, retaining walls, foundations and drainage systems. The project also includes tie replacement, landscaping and lighting work under bridges.

Meanwhile, the board also approved leases for tenants to occupy two concession spaces on the Orange and Purple lines. The new contracts bring the total number of leased spaces at rail stations to 74.