2/15/07
Note: All CTA bus and rail service will operate on regular schedules on Presidents Day, Monday, February 19.
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.
Red and Brown Line Customers Should Allow Extra Travel Time Over Weekend
Work planned for Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, will require that Red Line trains share the same track with Brown Line trains at two stations. CTA crews will be replacing signal equipment in the area between the Belmont and Fullerton stations as part of the Brown Line capacity expansion project.
5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 17
At the Fullerton and Belmont stations, northbound Red Line trains will share the same track with northbound Brown Line trains. Northbound Red Line customers will board on the same side of the platform (east) as northbound Brown Line customers.
Southbound Red and Brown Line service is not affected. Normal northbound Brown Line service will resume at 7 p.m. Saturday.
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 18
At the Belmont and Fullerton stations, southbound Brown Line trains will share the same track with southbound Red Line trains. Southbound Brown Line customers will board on the same side of the platform (east) as southbound Red Line customers.
Northbound Brown and Red Line service is not affected.
Southbound Brown Line trains will be unable to stop at the Wellington and Diversey stations on Sunday during these hours. Southbound customers who wish to exit at these stations should travel to the Fullerton station, board a northbound Brown Line train and ride back to Wellington or Diversey.
Southbound customers who wish to board at Wellington or Diversey, should board a northbound train to Belmont. Customers should allow extra travel time.
(See separate release for details)
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.
Late Night Single Track in Effect on Blue Line Forest Park Branch Friday and Saturday
A single track will be in effect between the Racine and LaSalle stations from 10 p.m. Friday, February 16 until 9 a.m. Saturday, February 17 and again in the same location, during the same hours Saturday night. During the Friday single track, all customers at the Halsted, Clinton and LaSalle stations must board on the southbound side of the platform. During the Saturday single track, all customers at the Halsted, Clinton and LaSalle stations must board on the northbound side of the platform.
Late Night Single Track in Effect in Red Line State Street Subway for Maintenance Over Weekend
A single track will be in effect between the Roosevelt and Grand stations from 11 p.m. Friday, February 16 until 6 a.m. Saturday, February 17 and again in the same location, during the same hours Saturday night. During the Friday night single track, all customers at the Roosevelt, Harrison, Jackson, Monroe and Lake stations must board on the east side of the platform. During the Saturday night single track, all customers at the Roosevelt, Harrison, Jackson, Monroe and Lake stations must board on the west side of the platform.
Two CTA Bus Routes to Detour for Chinese New Year Parade Sunday
The Chinese New Year Parade will detour two CTA bus routes serving the Chinatown neighborhood beginning at noon Sunday, February 18.
#18 16th/18th buses will operate via Cermak, Archer, Clark, to the Cermak-Chinatown station on the Red Line, then resume the regular route.
Eastbound #21 Cermak buses will operate via Cermak, Archer, Clark, back to Cermak, then resume the regular route.
North Branch Red Line Customers Should Allow Extra Travel Time Sunday
7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 18
At the Argyle and Lawrence stations, southbound Red Line trains will be unable to stop due to maintenance work. Southbound customers who wish to exit at these stations should travel to the Wilson station, board a northbound Red Line train and ride back to Argyle or Lawrence. At Wilson, there will be a temporary boarding change ? southbound customers will board on the west platform.
Southbound customers who wish to board at Argyle or Lawrence should board a northbound train to Berwyn, then board a southbound Red Line train. Customers should allow extra travel time.
Northbound service is not affected. Normal Red Line southbound service will resume at 5 p.m. Sunday.
CTA Buses Serve Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place Through February 18
CTA bus routes provide service to the 2007 Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place North and South through Sunday, February 18 during all hours the show is open.
Two existing CTA bus routes ? the #3 King Drive and #21 Cermak ? provide direct service to McCormick Place. #3 King Drive buses serve McCormick Place from North Michigan Avenue and the South Side every seven to 15 minutes. #21 buses serve the West Side operating to McCormick Place from North Riverside Park Mall every 10 to 15 minutes, and 20 minutes later on weekday evenings and Sunday evenings. Red Line customers can transfer to #21 Cermak buses at the Cermak-Chinatown station.
In addition, CTA is operating a special Auto Show bus route that provides convenient connections to CTA's Loop rail service as well as Metra service at Ogilvie Transportation Center, Union Station and LaSalle Street station.
(See separate press release for details)
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 on Red Line Next WeekA single track will be in effect between the 47th and Garfield stations from 11 p.m. Monday, February 19 until 4 a.m. Tuesday, February 20, and again at the same location, during the same hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, February 20, February 21 and February 22. All customers at the 47th station must board on the east side of the platform.
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