1/20/04
Officials from the Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago Department of Transportation today heralded the completion of renovations to the platform at the Jackson station on the CTA Red Line.
The $16.9 million project included reconstruction of the Red Line platform between Adams and Van Buren. The work also included an underground transfer tunnel that provides a pedway connection between the Red and Blue Line platforms at Jackson. That portion of the project was finished in February 2003.
The 660-foot platform features new, energy-efficient lighting that is approximately five times brighter than the old lighting, officials said. Other features include new acoustical panels to absorb more noise, new communications equipment, and new street identifier signs showing various views of State Street.
The platform design follows the motif incorporated at the CTA's Roosevelt Road and Chicago Avenue Red Line stations completed in 1996 and 2001 respectively. The motif features ceramic-tiled vaulted ceiling panels and walls with an outline of the Chicago skyline.
With the exception of the tactile edging, the platform had not been renovated since it was built in the 1940s.
?When CTA customers experience the new amenities here at Jackson and at other renovated facilities throughout the system, it will reinforce their choice of public transit and they will be more likely to recommend the CTA to others," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. ?This renovation is another prime example of Mayor Daley and the City of Chicago's commitment to help the CTA deliver on time, clean, safe and friendly service to our customers."
Since 1989, the City has invested nearly $798.5 million in CTA infrastructure improvements. Most recently they include the Roosevelt Connector project, which was completed in December 2002, replacement of the elevated span at Wacker Drive and Wells, the renovated Chicago Avenue station on the Red Line that was completed in 2001, and the elevated Library-State/Van Buren station.
CTA and CDOT worked together to minimize the impact on CTA customers throughout the project, which began in July 2002. The State/Jackson platform was open to Red Line customers during construction, and portions were closed only for work during weekday nights and weekends.
Funding was provided through the Federal Transit Administration (approximately 60 percent) and Illinois FIRST (about 40 percent).
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