Governor Releases $6.1 Million in Illinois FIRST Funds for Reconstruction of CTA Lines

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today releases $6.1 million in Illinois FIRST funds for reconstruction work on two Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rapid transit commuter lines.

"Both the Brown and Blue lines provide vital transit links for Chicago commuters," Ryan said. "I am pleased that the state can help in modernizing these lines and expanding their facilities to handle more passengers through Illinois FIRST funding support."

A total of $3.2 million will fund the final design of 18 platforms on the Brown (Ravenswood) Line to expand their capacity to handle longer trains. Another $2.9 million will fund both the final design of six elevated stations on the Douglas Branch of the Blue Line to also expand their capacity to handle longer trains and the start of structural work along an old section to improve service and speed. The oldest segment on the Blue Line was built in 1896.

The $3.2 million state grant announced today brings the state's total contribution for design engineering to $4.7 million for the Brown Line. The $2.9 million brings the state's total contribution for design engineering and construction to $4.4 million for the Blue Line.

Construction on the Blue Line in expected to start in 2001.