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CHICAGO (WLS) — This weekend might pose difficulties for CTA riders as some services in the Loop are set to halt.
According to the CTA, normal train operations are anticipated to resume by Monday morning, but passengers will need to navigate through this weekend’s disruptions.
The Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink lines will cease operations at all elevated Loop stations to facilitate the replacement of vital track switching equipment at Tower 18.
Located at Wells and Lake, this area is recognized as one of the most heavily trafficked parts of the entire CTA network.
The CTA plans to implement these line closures starting at 4 a.m. on Saturday.
The Red and Blue Lines will remain unaffected, as will all lines outside the Loop.
But here’s the thing: driving might also be a headache for normal CTA riders because of several downtown bridge projects.
CTA riders ABC7 spoke with ahead of the work said they aren’t too pleased about the weekend disruptions.
“Especially on the weekends, it’s going to add an additional 30 minutes to my commute, it’s already an hour,” CTA rider Javier Pineda said.
“I guess I’m just going to have to drive, pay for the parking on the road, find parking on the road, I guess,” CTA rider Mario Navia said. “I don’t know. I really don’t know. I might get dropped off even.”
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.
