2/23/06
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.
Kimball and Francisco Stations to Temporarily Close for the Weekend Beginning Friday
The Kimball and Francisco stations will close from 10 p.m. Friday, February 24 until 2 a.m. Monday, February 27. The stations will temporarily close for the weekend while construction to expand capacity and make stations accessible continues to move forward. Both Kimball and Francisco station will resume normal weekday service Monday morning, February 27.
During the temporary weekend closure, Brown Line trains will operate between the Loop and Western station. CTA is providing a free bus shuttle for customers as a substitute for rail service. The bus shuttle will make stops at the Western station, Rockwell and Lawrence, Sacramento and Lawrence, Kedzie and Lawrence, Kedzie and Wilson, and at the Kimball station.
The Kedzie and Rockwell stations closed on February 20 for reconstruction and will remain closed for six months. During the weekday, rail customers may go to the next closest station for Brown Line service, or choose from eight neighborhood CTA bus routes to meet their transit service needs.
(See separate release.)
Structural Maintenance Temporarily Closes Southbound Wellington and Diversey Stations Saturday
Structural maintenance will temporarily close the southbound Wellington and Diversey stations from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday, February 25.
As a result, during these hours, southbound Brown Line trains will not stop at the Wellington and Diversey stations. Southbound customers who wish to exit at these stations will need to travel to the Fullerton station and transfer to a northbound Brown Line train back to the Wellington or Diversey station.
Southbound customers who wish to board at the Wellington or Diversey stations will need to board a northbound train and exit at Belmont to board a southbound Brown Line train.
Harrison Street Bridge over Chicago River to Temporarily Close Friday
The Harrison Street bridge over the Chicago River will temporarily close for maintenance work from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Friday, February 24.
Eastbound #37 Sedgwick/Ogden buses will operate via Clinton to Jackson, Franklin, then resume the regular route. Westbound #37 buses will operate via Harrison, Wacker, Van Buren, Canal, back to Harrison, then resume the regular route.
Ashland Avenue Bridge over Chicago River to Temporarily Close Next Week
The Ashland Avenue bridge over the Chicago River will temporarily close for maintenance work from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1.
Northbound #9 Ashland and #168 UIC-Pilsen Express buses will operate via Ashland, 35th, Damen, Blue Island, back to Ashland, then resume the regular route. The reroute for southbound #9 buses is the reverse of the northbound reroute.
Southbound #168 buses will operate via Cermak to Blue Island, Damen, then resume the resume the regular route.
During the temporary reroute, #168 customers who wish to board at the UPS bus stop will need to board at the Cermak/Ashland/Blue Island stop.
Benson Closes for Construction Work Over Weekend
One northbound lane will close on Benson between Church and Davis for construction work beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, February 24. The closure will remain in effect until midnight Sunday, February 26.
Northbound #93 California/Dodge buses will operate via Church, Sherman, Davis, back to Benson, then resume the regular route. Southbound service is not affected.
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 Next WeekSingle track service will be in effect between 94th and 87th from 11 p.m. Monday, February 27 until 4 a.m. Tuesday, February 28.
Single track service will be in effect between Garfield and 45th from 11 p.m. Tuesday, February 28 until 4 a.m. Wednesday, March 1 and again in the same location, during the same hours from Wednesday, March 1 until Friday, March 3.
Customers should allow extra travel time.
For details about CTA routes and schedules, call 836-7000 (all local area codes) or visit www.transitchicago.com.
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