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CHICAGO (WLS) — This weekend might pose some hurdles for CTA riders as certain services in the Loop are expected to come to a halt.
According to the CTA, train operations are anticipated to resume their usual schedule by Monday morning. However, passengers will need to navigate through the ongoing maintenance activities over the weekend.
The agency has announced that the Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink lines will not be operational at any elevated Loop stations, as crews work on replacing essential track switching components at Tower 18.
Situated at Wells and Lake, Tower 18 is a crucial segment of the CTA network, known for its high traffic volume.
The temporary line shutdowns are slated to begin at 4 a.m. on Saturday.
Red and Blue Lines are not affected and neither is any line outside the Loop.
But here’s the thing: driving might also be a headache for normal CTA riders because of several downtown bridge projects.
ABC7 caught up with riders during Friday morning’s rush near the CTA station at Clarke and Lake.
“Oh no!” CTA rider Jacqueline Greer said. “What am I going to do, who am I going to call? Because if the CTA isn’t running you have to figure out how you’re going to get work. You’ve got to figure out who is going to get you where…”
Greer said she’s trying to answer those questions herself as she prepares for this weekend’s disruptions.
“It’s so easy to hop on the trains and get to where you’re going,” CTA rider Aaron Saldana said.
Loop neighbor Saldana said he uses the CTA daily, too. He said he understands the need for the brief closure.
“They have been getting worn down,” Saldana said. “Some platforms are really bad. I feel like the city is doing the right thing.”
CTA officials are encouraging riders to plan ahead, for folks who hoped to hop in the car this weekend, well, there’s plenty of work being done downtown, as well.
Bridge work is happening at Lake Street, Chicago Avenue, State Street and Grand Avenue.
Local leaders are calling the concurrence of projects all at once into question.
“The congestion has been out of control, and several of the major thoroughfares are, have turned into essentially parking lots,” 34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway said. “Drivers are very frustrated, and they should be. This is something that should have been staggered.”
The Chicago Department of Transportation shared the following statement with ABC7:
“Chicago maintains more than 300 bridges and viaducts, including one of the largest movable bridge systems in the world. Given the age and complexity of this infrastructure, some overlap between major repair and rehabilitation projects is unavoidable. Many of these are long-awaited improvement projects that will ensure these critical structures remain safe and reliable for decades to come.
“CDOT is working closely with contractors to complete each project as efficiently as possible. We recognize that overlapping closures are inconvenient, and we sincerely thank residents, businesses, and commuters for their patience as we deliver investments to strengthen Chicago’s bridge system, improve safety, and support the city’s economy.”
The CTA says there will be a free shuttle bus for impacted Loop CTA riders.
All Loop elevated stations will be closed: Clark/Lake, State/Lake, Washington/Wabash, Adams/Wabash, H.W. Library, LaSalle/Van Buren, Quincy and Washington/Wells.
The service suspension will last from 4 a.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Monday, the CTA said.
-Pink Line: After the Polk station, Pink Line trains will be rerouted to the Racine Blue Line station. Transfer to Blue Line subway trains for continuing service downtown. For Pink Line service to Ashland, Morgan and Clinton, consider nearby bus routes.
-Green and Orange Lines: Free shuttle buses will operate between Roosevelt and Clinton every 4 to 12 minutes throughout day. Buses will make stops along State, Washington and Madison, and connect with continuing rail services at Roosevelt.
-Orange Line trains will continue to operate normally between Midway and Roosevelt.
-Brown Line: Free shuttle buses will operate between Merchandise Mart and H.W. Library every 5 to12 minutes. Buses will make stops near Loop stations.
