Chicago’s rail service Metra has begun work on the city’s new station at 35th Street along the Rock Island line.

The station will provide a transportation link between Chicago Transit Authority and Metra on the city’s south side.

The project is funded by a $4.9m federal grant and $6.8m in stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The station, to be named ‘Lovana S (Lou) Jones/Bronzeville Metra Station’, will feature eight-car heated platforms, heated ramps, stairways, bicycle racks, benches, an audio and visual information system, lighting and landscaping.

Work is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2010.