4/27/06
Brown Line Capacity Expansion Project:
CTA is working to expand capacity on the Brown Line. When the work is completed, customers will benefit from longer trains during rush hour, and accessible, modern stations and platforms.
Throughout the Brown Line construction project, slow zones and single track operation are periodically necessary near construction activity so, as a general rule, rail customers should allow extra travel time.
Kimball and Francisco Stations to Temporarily Close Saturday, April 29
The Kimball and Francisco stations on the Brown Line will temporarily close from 3 a.m. Saturday, April 29 until 5 a.m. Sunday, April 30.
During the Saturday closure of Kimball and Francisco, Brown Line trains will operate between the Loop and Western station. Bus shuttle service is provided to customers free of charge from Western station to Kimball station during regular Brown Line hours as a substitute for rail service. The bus shuttle makes stops at the Western station, Rockwell and Lawrence, Sacramento and Lawrence, Kedzie and Lawrence, Kedzie and Wilson, and at the Kimball station. (See separate release.)
Clark Junction Track and Signal Renewal:
CTA is currently working to upgrade crossover tracks and signals throughout Clark Junction, the busy location where Brown, Red and Purple Line trains converge just north of Belmont on the City's North Side. The upgrade to the 100-year-old junction will bring new signals and additional connections between tracks to allow trains to cross over to adjacent tracks. While the majority of work underway takes place on weekends and during non-rush periods, there are periodic slow zones due to the presence of construction crews in the area. As a general rule, customers should allow extra travel time.
Southbound Platforms at Wellington and Diversey Temporarily Close Over Weekend
The southbound Wellington and Diversey platforms will temporarily close from 1 a.m. Saturday, April 29 until 4 a.m. Monday, May 1. As a result, during these hours, southbound Brown Line trains will not stop at the Wellington and Diversey stations. Southbound customers who wish to exit at these stations will need to travel to the Fullerton station and transfer to a northbound Brown Line train back to these stations.
Southbound customers who wish to board at the Wellington or Diversey station will need to board a northbound train and exit at Belmont to board a southbound Brown Line train.
Blue Line Signal Upgrade:
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 helping 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.
Single Track in Dearborn Subway
Single track service will be in effect between Grand and LaSalle from 9 p.m. Saturday, April 29 until 10 a.m. Sunday, April 30 for work to improve the power supply to trains in the subway. Customers should allow extra travel time.
Red Line - Dan Ryan Branch Rehabilitation:
CTA is working to replace track, power and signal systems and upgrade stations along the branch. When the work is completed, customers will experience more reliable service and modern station amenities.
Single Track in Effect Over Weekend
Single track service will be in effect between Garfield and Sox-35th from 8 p.m. Friday, April 28 until 8 a.m. Saturday, April 29.
Late night single track service will be in effect between 45th and 33rd from 11 p.m. Saturday, April 29 until 8 a.m. Sunday, April 30.
Single track service will be in effect between 45th and Garfield from 10 p.m. Sunday, April 30 until 4 a.m. Monday, May 1.
Single track service will be in effect between 63rd and 69th from 10 p.m. Sunday, April 30 until 4 a.m. Monday, May 1. Customers should allow extra travel time.
Columbus Drive Closes for March of Dimes WalkAmerica Sunday
Columbus Drive will be closed between Roosevelt and Balbo for the March of Dimes walk Sunday, April 30. The parade will assemble at Roosevelt at 6 a.m. The walk will reroute 14 CTA bus routes and may cause service delays.
Buses on the #3 King Drive, #4 Cottage Grove, #6 Jackson Park Express, #10 Museum of Science & Industry, #14 Jeffery Express, #20 Madison, #29 State, #56 Milwaukee, #60 Blue Island/26th, #124 Navy Pier, #145 Wilson/Michigan Express, #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, #147 Outer Drive Express and #151 Sheridan routes will be affected by the walk. Customers should allow extra travel time.
Eastbound Main Street in Evanston to Temporarily Close Next Week for Viaduct Maintenance Work
The eastbound lane of Main Street in Evanston will be closed at Chicago beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, May 1 until Friday, May 5 for viaduct painting. Purple Line service is not affected. Eastbound #200 Main Shuttle buses will operate via Main to Ridge, Greenleaf, Chicago, back to Main, then resume the regular route.
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