One of the city's most depressing El stations closed for good on Monday. The century-old Madison/Wabash stop in the Loop will make way for the sexy new Washington/Wabash station, which is set to open in 2016. The new station is expected to be the fifth busiest train stop on the CTA's network.
Construction on the new Loop Link Bus Rapid Transit also began on Monday. The new system will bring express bus routes and protected bike lanes to Washington, Madison, Clinton and Canal Streets, providing quicker service between Union Station and Michigan Avenue.
You should expect some hiccups in your downtown commute for the foreseeable future, but at least Jewelers Row will start to look like a place that actually houses millions of dollars in diamonds.