Chicago to begin construction on downtown transit projects

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago is set to begin construction on several transit projects aimed at reducing congestion downtown.

The Chicago Department of Transportation announced Monday that work will begin March 16 on the new "Loop Link." The project includes dedicated bus lanes to help move passengers from Chicago neighborhoods through the Loop. It also will feature protected bicycle lanes and improved bus station stops.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

CDOT and the Chicago Transit Authority also are beginning work on a new transit center at Union Station.

Ron Burke is executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance, an organization that supports the projects.

He says "getting across the Loop can be frustratingly slow." Burke adds the projects will make those trips faster and more convenient.