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Yesterday, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) opened its newly renovated Pulaski Station — the third of eight stations to reopen during the $482.6 million renovation of the Blue Line’s Cermak (Douglas) branch.

The station features platform benches, overhead heaters, enhanced lighting, canopies, an elevator, wheel-chair accessible gate, TTY telephones, tactile edging, Braille and audio-visual signs, and a public-address system.

In addition to renovating stations, CTA is replacing track and support structure along the 6.6-mile line, which serves as a link between the Chicago Loop and Illinois Medical District.

Construction began in summer 2001 and is scheduled to be complete by year end. Travel time between 54th/Cermak and downtown Chicago now is about 45 minutes; after trackwork is complete, travel time will be reduced to less than 25 minutes.

The project is being funded through a Full Funding Grant Agreement, and by Illinois FIRST, the Regional Transportation Authority and Illinois Department of Transportation.