06/01/06
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 Temporarily Close Saturday
Both the Kimball and Francisco stations on the Brown Line will temporarily close from 3 a.m. Saturday, June 3 until 5 a.m. Sunday, June 4. During the Saturday closures of Kimball and Francisco, Brown Line trains will operate between the Loop and Western station and free bus shuttles will serve customers whose stations are closed. Due to Mayfest this weekend, bus shuttle service which normally operates between Kimball and Western has been extended to Damen station. Bus shuttle service will be provided to customers free of charge between Damen station and Kimball station during regular Brown Line hours as a substitute for rail service. The bus shuttle will make stops at Damen and Leland, the Western Avenue station, Rockwell and Lawrence, Sacramento and Lawrence, Kedzie and Lawrence, Kedzie and Wilson, and at the Kimball station. (See separate release.)
The Kedzie and Rockwell stations closed on February 20 for reconstruction and will remain closed for six months.
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.
Late Night Single Track in Effect Over Weekend
Single track service will be in effect between 87th and 69th from 11 p.m. Friday, June 2 until 8 a.m. Saturday, June 3 and again in the same location from 11 p.m. Saturday, June 3 until noon Sunday, June 4. Customers should allow extra travel time.
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 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.
Blue Line Work to Close Lanes on Milwaukee Avenue through Thanksgiving
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, which affect one block, will be in place 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. (See separate release.)
Single Track in Effect on Blue Line O'Hare Branch Over Weekend
A single track will be in effect between Jefferson Park and Montrose stations from 10 p.m. Saturday, June 3 to 10 a.m. Sunday, June 4 for O'Hare branch Blue Line trains. Customers should allow extra travel time.
Other Events Affecting CTA Service
Purple Line Shuttle Service between South Blvd. and Howard Stations this Weekend
CTA will provide shuttle train service for Purple Line customers in both directions between South Blvd station and Howard station from Friday to Sunday due to track work as part of the rehabilitation of Howard station. Purple Line customers are advised to allow extra travel time.
During weekend hours, Purple Line customers will exit Purple Line trains at South Blvd and cross to the west side of the platform to board a shuttle train to continue to Howard station. At Howard station, northbound Purple Line customers will board shuttle trains on the east platform as usual, exit at South Blvd station and board a Purple Line train to continue their trip north. The Purple Line will operate its normal service between South Blvd and Linden.
Normal Purple Line service and Purple Line Express service will resume Monday morning. (See separate release.)
Cortland Bridge Over Chicago River Closed Through June 9
The Cortland Bridge over the Chicago River is closed through June 9 for maintenance work. The bridge is closed from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. weekdays and from 8 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday. During these hours, the #73 Armitage buses will operate in both directions via Elston, Ashland, Webster, Clybourn, Racine, then resume the regular route.
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