The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in the US has awarded a contract to FH Paschen, SN Nielsen & Associates to renovate and upgrade three stations along the Blue Line.

Involving the modernisation of Grand, Chicago and Division stations, the $30m project is part of CTA’s $492m Your New Blue (YNB) initiative to refurbish the O’Hare Branch of the Blue Line.

CTA president Dorval Carter Jr said: “The modernisation of these three stations, which link Chicagoans to downtown and Near North Side jobs, schools and healthcare facilities, will allow us to provide improved and safer transit service to the four million passengers who use these transit hubs each year.

“This investment will continue our efforts to enhance a world-class transit system that better serves the neighbourhoods of Chicago for generations to come.”

“This investment will continue our efforts to enhance a world-class transit system that better serves the neighbourhoods of Chicago for generations to come.”

The scope of the project includes station refurbishments such as new entry canopies and enclosures at stair openings, escalator and lighting upgrades, and repairs to walls and floors.

The installation of new HD security cameras and new audio speakers at the station platforms also forms a part of the work package.

This project will be their largest renovation since the three stations opened in 1951.

The overall YNB initiative includes track and infrastructure improvements; stationhouse upgrades works, signalling and power modernisation along the O’Hare Branch.

Once completed, the modernisation programme will improve regular services between O’Hare and downtown.

It will also help in improving the capacity of the stations and the overall transit system supporting the recent growth in ridership.