06/01/06
Starting Monday, June 5, both northbound lanes and one southbound lane on Milwaukee Avenue between Racine and Willard will close to traffic due to work to upgrade the signal system in the Blue Line subway underneath Milwaukee Avenue. The lane closures will be in effect through Thanksgiving.
From 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, both northbound lanes and one southbound lane will close to traffic. From 3:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. one northbound lane will re-open to traffic. One southbound lane will remain open to traffic at all times. If necessary, work may occur on weekends during the same timeframe.
From 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, northbound #56 Milwaukee buses will be rerouted from Milwaukee to Elston, Augusta, Willard then back to Milwaukee to resume the regular route. From 3:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays, northbound #56 Milwaukee buses will resume normal operation. Southbound #56 Milwaukee service will be unaffected.
CTA customers and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.
CTA is working to upgrade approximately 20 miles of the existing 40-year-old train control system and power supply equipment from the Forest Park terminal of the Blue Line Forest Park branch through the Dearborn Subway to the Jefferson Park station of the Blue Line O'Hare branch.
These systems ensure the safe operation and movement of trains, and the appropriate speed and distance between trains as well as help CTA personnel manage rail service in the event of an emergency. The upgraded signal system will result in improved reliability of service for Blue Line customers, and also includes upgrades to the power cables and communication system needed to connect the Red Line State Street subway and Blue Line Dearborn Street subway as part of the Block 37 project.
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