CTA will operate two bus shuttle routes that are free for affected riders; Brown, Green, Orange and Pink line trains will operate normally outside of the Loop. Normal operations will resume prior to Monday AM rush period service.
This weekend, CTA crews will be replacing critical track switching equipment at the Tower 18 junction, which will require the temporary suspension of Loop Elevated rail service along the Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines in the downtown area. Service along these rail lines will operate normally outside of the Loop/downtown.
Weekend work is necessary to ensure CTA can continue providing safe and reliable services across the four rail lines that use the Loop Elevated structure.
Beginning 4 a.m. Saturday, October 25, until 2 a.m., Monday, October 27, Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines will undergo a temporary linecut, and all Loop elevated stations (Clark/Lake, State/Lake, Washington/Wabash, Adams/Wabash, H.W. Library, LaSalle/Van Buren, Quincy and Washington/Wells) will be closed. Service along the Red and Blue lines is unaffected.
During this time, CTA will operate two bus shuttles providing connections for affected riders. Customers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time as rail service outside of the Loop may also be delayed. Train Tracker data may also be impacted as well.
The service changes will be as follows (see separate alert for detailed information):
- Pink Line: After the Polk station, Pink Line trains will be rerouted to the Racine Blue Line station. Transfer to Blue Line subway trains for continuing service downtown. For Pink Line service to Ashland, Morgan and Clinton, consider nearby bus routes.
- Green and Orange Lines: Free shuttle buses (shown as S1 on map) will operate between Roosevelt and Clinton every 4-12 minutes throughout day, with more frequent service provided during the peak travel period of 9a – 10:30p. Buses will make stops along State, Washington and Madison, and connect with continuing rail services at Roosevelt.
- Green Line trains will operate normally between Harlem/Lake and Clinton, and between Roosevelt and 63rd Street destinations.
- Orange Line trains will continue to operate normally between Midway and Roosevelt.
- Brown Line: Free shuttle buses (shown as S2 on map) will operate between Merchandise Mart and H.W. Library every 5-12 minutes, with more frequent service provided during the peak travel period of 9a – 10:30p. Buses will make stops near Loop stations.
- Brown Line trains will operate normally between Kimball and Merchandise Mart.
Tower 18 is the rail junction located at Lake and Wells streets and is the busiest section of track in the entire CTA system with roughly 700 trains passing through in all directions on an average weekday.
Also, during this weekend line-cut, CTA crews will be making a variety of improvements at several Loop Elevated stations, which can include flooring and platform repairs, pigeon mitigation, lighting changes, staircase and canopy repairs, and/or general painting.
Know before you go!
The CTA strongly recommends customers allow extra travel time and plan ahead by downloading the Ventra app, which allows you to manage your Ventra account, and also features a new trip planning tool powered by Google Maps.
Fare payment options: We offer a variety of convenient payment options—from smart devices to contactless credit cards. Learn more about payment options and ways you can maximize your dollars with our lower-priced unlimited-ride passes by visiting: transitchicago.com/fares/
Service updates: Stay in the loop on CTA service changes and alerts by subscribing to CTA Updates. For details about all CTA service, call 312-836-7000 or visit the CTA website at transitchicago.com.
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