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Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) plans to move ahead with several construction projects.



• On March 29, the authority broke ground on a project designed to renovate the "L" connector track that links the Green Line on Lake Street with the Cermak (Douglas) branch of the Blue Line. The Paulina Connector project includes rehabilitating track, and installing a second track, third rail and cab signal system. The $33.8 million project is expected to be complete next spring. The authority plans to complete signal and communications work by January 2005.

• CTA’s board recently approved a $1 million intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Department of Transportation to begin preliminary design and engineering work for constructing a new Loop "L" station at Washington and Wabash. The station would replace facilities at Madison/Wabash and Randolph/Wabash, which have been in service since the Loop "L" was built in 1897. The new facility will be designed to accommodate traffic at both locations.

• CTA’s board also approved an ordinance that enables the authority to notify a restaurant that it needs to evacuate its property (leased by CTA) for the Brown Line expansion project. The authority recently filed suit to evict Demon Dogs after owners contested the lease termination. CTA lease agreements stipulate that if a parcel is needed for transit purposes, notice will be provided to the lessor that the lease will not be renewed upon expiration, according to a prepared statement. The authority plans to demolish the building housing the restaurant to make room for Fullerton Station, which would be relocated to the site.