Originally Posted by ardecila (Post 9695074)

It might be short-sighted not to build two tracks on Day 1, but it won't be difficult to double-track it later if they want to run commuter service.

-The ramp structure is above ground and will mostly be supported on wide straddle bents over other tracks below. I imagine they will design these straddle bents to support a 2nd track in the future; the cost to do so is minimal. Railroad structures often include provisions for future 2nd track.

Originally Posted by BrinChi (Post 9696710)

So if the RLE goes through, does that make the 95th super station kind of unnecessary? Presumably there would be far fewer bus lines using it as a transfer point.

Originally Posted by orulz (Post 9696874)

Usually diagrams like this that have made accomodations for a second track, will have a dashed line marked "Future Second Track" indicating that second track's future alignment. I haven't seen any such marking on any of the diagrams for this project yet. It would be comforting to see *any* positive indication whatsoever that they've thought ahead about where it might go, and how to build it without massive disruptions in the future.

Originally Posted by Mr Downtown (Post 9695784)

“Organization before Electronics before Concrete”

The Chicago region (comparatively speaking) is shrinking rather than growing; we don't really need any rail extensions. We do need to make better use of what we have, by integrating fares between Metra and CTA, and by putting new office and residential growth next to the stations we already have, rather than letting developers build where there's cheap land but no transit (Lincoln Yards, I'm looking at you).

So were I in charge, the first thing I'd do is make Metra more of a regional rail system rather than a bunch of commuter trains. I've sketched the basic concept of a Chicago S-Bahn that would have frequent service all day long. Obviously, this is pointless if it's not fare-integrated with CTA to get South Siders to job centers north of the river or in the Medical District.

https://i.imgur.com/gu48htU.jpg

Second, I think the movement of the office core that's already taken place justifies a Larrabee-Clinton Subway.

https://i.imgur.com/qWkWn6W.jpg

Originally Posted by Steely Dan (Post 9701070)

This is completely outta nowhere, but I'm sitting on my back deck eating lunch and a married pair of old 6000 series L cars in the red/white/blue livery just rolled by on the brown line tracks in our alley, heading in-bound.

Haven't seen that before. I didn't know the CTA kept any operating 6000 series cars around, they've been out of revenue service for 30 years now.

Those old 6000 series cars were still the backbone of the system back when I was a kid in the 70s/80s, so I've always had a nostalgic fondness for them. That was fun to see!

Originally Posted by Busy Bee (Post 9701093)

The previous green paint on the old 6000's always looked so classic.

https://images.cf.nycsubway.org/imag.../img_14718.jpg
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Originally Posted by Randomguy34 (Post 9704056)

Amtrak is planning a concourse and waiting area at Harrison St for the mail platforms, with a potential 2nd entrance at Van Buren St. This would mean you wouldn't have to go through Union Station to access the platforms.

Originally Posted by ardecila (Post 9704777)

It's the same mistake that Amtrak made at Moynihan in NYC, .

Originally Posted by thegoatman (Post 9704698)

Also would like to see some TOD around the yellow line stations.

Originally Posted by ardecila (Post 9705564)

If Evanston can get transit money, I think they will focus on rebuilding the Purple Line. The current city government doesn’t seem very interested in an Asbury station, seems like that has been shelved.