Chicago's $150 million investment in three downtown projects aims to improve access, speed and reliability for all modes of transportation. Work will begin early next year on a Central Loop bus rapid transit system, a Union Station Transit Center and a Washington/Wabash CTA Loop elevated station, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.

The bus projects are slated to be completed by the end of 2015 and the new "L" station a year later, officials said.

Read more about the project in Jon Hilkevitch's column.

PROJECT 1: CENTRAL LOOP BUS RAPID TRANSIT Cost: $32.5 million

Aims to provide more efficient service to an area that serves 1,000 buses and 25,000 riders daily. Will include dedicated bus and bike lanes and new bus stations. The BRT corridor will serve Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center and CTA subways.

Rendering of street with BRT and protected bike lane incorporated:

CTA bus routes affected

J14: Jeffery jump

20: Madison

56: Milwaukee

60: Blue Island/26th

124: Navy Pier

157: Streeterville/Taylor

PROJECT 2: UNION STATION TRANSIT CENTER Cost: $43 million

Will provide a sheltered area for buses and a connection to an existing Amtrak underground passageway allowing commuters to access Union Station without crossing at street level.

Improvements to adjacent traffic flow on Canal Street

(Rendering shows Canal at Jackson looking north)

PROJECT 3: CONSOLIDATED CTA STATION AT WASHINGTON AND WABASH

Cost: $75 million

Replaces two outdated stations at Randolph and Madison. The larger capacity, more-modern station will have escalators, elevators and disability access. A new canopy will provide continuous coverage along the length of the platform.

Rendering of new elevated station:

SOURCES: Chicago Department of Transportation, Chicago Transit Authority, City of Chicago

Renderings courtesy of the Chicago Department of Transportation

@ChiTribGraphics