[nomarandlee]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/transpo...-cta05.article

Blue Line track work shifts south
Shuttle buses will run weekends from Clark/Lake to UIC-Halsted

September 5, 2009

BY MARY WISNIEWSKI Transportation reporter mwisniewski@suntimes.com

Track replacement on the northern part of the Blue Line subway is done, so weekend subway service suspensions soon will begin on the southern part.

The Chicago Transit Authority has been using $88 million in federal stimulus money to replace about seven miles of track from Division on the O'Hare branch of the Blue Line to Clinton on the Forest Park branch. The repairs primarily were to prevent the development of "slow zones," in which trains have to run slower than normal for safety.

Because of the repairs, passengers going between Western/Milwaukee and Clark/ Lake on weekends had to ride shuttle buses nearly every weekend this summer. Exceptions were made for busy weekends, such as during the Taste of Chicago.

With repairs to the northern part of the subway completed last weekend, along with 2007 and 2008 Blue Line work, most slow zones have been eliminated on the O'Hare branch.

"We're back to the 45-minute trip from downtown to O'Hare, which is what it's supposed to be," said CTA spokeswoman Sheila Gregory.

Starting next weekend, subway service will be shut between the Clark/Lake and UIC-Halsted stations most weekends. Shuttle buses will operate as a substitute.

"CTA is putting stimulus funds to good use on projects that will have a direct impact on customers' travels," said CTA President Richard Rodriguez.

The Blue Line project is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

CTA received a total of $241 million in stimulus funds. The rest of the money is being used to buy new buses and overhaul old buses and rail cars.

..