1/11/07
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.
Brown Line Kimball Station to Reopen for Rail Service Friday
The Kimball station on the Brown Line will reopen to rail service on Friday, January 12. A major portion of the reconstruction has been completed at Kimball including brighter lighting, installation of heaters and windbreaks, new benches and an information kiosk.
Construction crews will continue to work in the weeks ahead to complete construction even after the station opens for service. Additional work includes installing permanent station signs, security cameras, original artwork, windows, canopies and continuing work to complete the extension of the platform.
Extra Service for Chicago Bears NFC Divisional Playoff Game Sunday
CTA will provide additional service on the #12 Roosevelt and #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express and will operate the #128 Soldier Field Express for the Chicago Bears game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, January 14. The game begins at noon.
#12 Roosevelt will operate additional buses between State Street and Soldier Field.
#128 Soldier Field Express will operate non-stop between the Ogilvie Transportation Center, Union Station and Soldier Field for the convenience of Bears fans. Service will operate before the game every 15 minutes beginning at 10 a.m. and every few minutes for one hour after the game ends.
The fare for #128 buses is $1 for full fare customers and 50 cents for reduced fare customers. The exact cash fare is required to receive the special rate.
#146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express will operate additional buses to Soldier Field every few minutes for two hours before the game and for one hour after the game ends.
In addition to the extra bus service, CTA will operate longer Red, Orange and Green Line trains for customers traveling to and from Soldier Field. The stations are at Roosevelt and State, a few blocks west of the stadium. CTA will provide additional CTA personnel at the Roosevelt Green and Orange Line elevated and the Red Line subway stations to assist customers.
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 on Blue Line Forest Park Branch Thursday
A single track will be in effect on the Blue Line Forest Park branch between the Harlem and Forest Park stations from 11 p.m. Thursday, January 11 until 4 a.m. Friday, January 12. All customers at the Forest Park station must board on the northbound side of the platform.
Single Track on Blue Line Forest Park Branch Friday
A single track will be in effect on the Blue Line Forest Park branch between the Racine and LaSalle stations from 10 p.m. Friday, January 12 until 6 a.m. Saturday, January 13 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 Subway for Maintenance Over Weekend
A single track will be in effect between the Roosevelt and Chicago stations from 11 p.m. Friday, January 12 until 6 a.m. Saturday, January 13 and in the same location, during the same hours Saturday night.
During the Friday single track, all customers at the Roosevelt, Harrison, Jackson, Monroe and Lake stations must board on the northbound side of the platform. During the Saturday single track, all customers at the Roosevelt, Harrison, Jackson, Monroe and Lake stations must board on the southbound side of the platform.
Single Track in Effect on Ashland/63rd Branch of the Green Line Saturday
A single track will be in effect between the 59th Junction at Indiana and the Ashland/63rd station on the Green Line from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, January 13. All customers boarding at the Halsted station must board on the south platform.
Michigan Avenue Closes for Helicopter Lift Saturday
Michigan will be closed between Jackson and Van Buren from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, January 13. Northbound #3 King, #4 Cottage Grove, #6 Jackson Park Express (northbound only) and #14 Jeffery Express buses will operate via Michigan, Van Buren, State, Jackson, back to Michigan, then resume the regular route. Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Adams, State, Congress, back to Michigan, then resume the regular route.
Eastbound #126 Jackson buses will operate via Jackson, Columbus, Balbo, Michigan, Congress to terminal at Congress Plaza, where they will begin their westbound trips via Michigan, Van Buren, State to Adams, then resume the regular route.
Southbound #145 Wilson/Michigan Express buses will operate via Michigan, Adams, State to Van Buren, then resume the regular route.
Southbound #147 Outer Drive Express buses will operate via Michigan, Adams, State to Congress, then resume the regular route.
Madison Street Bridge Closes for Maintenance Next Week
The Madison Street bridge over the Chicago River will be closed Tuesday, January 16 through Friday, January 19 between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. During these hours, westbound #14 Jeffery, #20 Madison, #56 Milwaukee, #60 Blue Island/26th, #124 Navy Pier Express and #157 Streeterville buses will operate via Madison, Wacker, Randolph, Clinton, back to Madison, then resume the regular route.
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