The Maryland Transit Administration has begun a $3.5 million project to upgrade its Mondawmin Mall transit hub in Northwest Baltimore, where the Metro subway and 11 bus routes converge.

The project at the hub, a busy transfer point for students, has been timed to begin as school ends. It will include a repaving of the bus loop, which will be closed until just before classes resume in late August.

Other work will include improvements to lighting, bus shelters, pedestrian pathways and an elevator tower. Terminals will be equipped with new electronic signs telling when the next bus will arrive, said MTA Administrator Ralign T. Wells.

During construction, buses will use a temporary stop at Liberty Heights Avenue and Reisterstown Road. The project is partially financed with federal stimulus funds.

—Michael Dresser