October 13, 2019 – $475 million in new federal money will support 70 transportation improvement projects in Chicago, including the State/Lake CTA station in the Loop.

The money is coming from three federal sources – Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, Surface Transportation Program, and Transportation Alternatives Program.

$59.4 million will help pay for improvements to the State/Lake CTA station, both the platform above State & Lake and the subway.

$39.2 million will cover replacement of the LaSalle Street Bridge over the Chicago River. (Left) LaSalle Street Bridge, next to Reid Murdoch Center, in July 2014. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

Another $28.8 million will go to Metra to retrofit its locomotives with more fuel-efficient and cleaner-burning engines.

“The investments represented in this year’s slate of projects will not just improve air quality for every resident of the region, they will improve commute times, safety, provide bikers and walkers access to new trails and spaces, improve bus service, and reduce emergency vehicle response times,” said CMAP executive director Erin Aleman (right).

“Working with our partners, we are excited to see this funding begin to improve people’s options for getting around and overall quality of life across the region,” said Aleman.

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning made the announcements on October 10. The 70 projects were selected from 200 proposals submitted between January 15 and March 15.