Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Circle Line is Gonna Cost How Much?

Yes, we're excited for the circle line. We strongly feel that it will benefit everyone in the region (and obviously the Sloop as well). The Daily Herald has some more information about our faithful senator Dick Durbin's earmarks. If you have some time, check out the list, it's pretty expansive. Specific to the Circle line it says:
CTA Circle Line, Chicago. $6,000,000 for new transit service extending from North Riverside Park Mall to Chicago central business district. The Circle Line's goal of connecting existing lines with commuter lines is particularly important to serving the entire region. The Circle Line is a key component of the City's transportation strategy for the 2016 Olympics. It provides improved access to venues throughout the entire Chicago region by greatly facilitating transfer connections between all Metra and CTA rail lines
Ok, before we get too excited, $6 million ain't gonna get the job done. Just for perspective, the new block 37 station is well over $2oo Million and it's not even close to being done.

So what does this mean? It means the circle line is back on the radar of our government officials. The other thing to note is the mention of the Olympics...like we've said, expect big things if Chicago gets the Olympics.

Also, if you have some time and are really interested in the Circle Line, check out this pdf from the city addressing some of the questions from residents. The CTA also has a webpage addressing some of the research and work that has been done on the Circle Line here.

No comments: