CTA train service resumes after track power outage halts North Side service during morning commute

CHICAGO (WLS) — Track problems on Chicago’s North Side disrupted service on several CTA train lines Thursday morning.

Chicago police said a train signal fell onto the CTA tracks in the 900-block of West Belmont Avenue, knocking out power to the track, but the CTA said it’s still investigating the incident.

Service on the Red and Brown lines was temporarily suspended for hours, with shuttle buses put into operation. Service on the Brown Line resumed around 8:45 a.m. and on the Red Line at about 11:40 a.m.

The delays created a chaotic morning for commuters, making a lot of them late for work.

“I’m kind of still in shock right now trying to figure out how I’m going to get to work,” said commuter Jasmine Jones.

The power outage shut down all CTA tracks near Belmont forced evacuations on all tracks and leaving many scrambling for a ride.

“It’s stressful,” Jones said. “I like don’t really know what to do because there’s no buses that go up north where I need to go, so I kind of have to wait until Lyft lowers their prices a little bit … it’s a surge right now.”

“Might be a smidge late for work but almost the weekend so I guess it’s not too bad, but yeah, this is very unexpected,” commuter Jake Goodman said.

Chopper 7HD flew above the scene as crews worked to try and restore service.