CTA trains not running on Loop elevated tracks this weekend due to maintenance

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CHICAGO (WGN) – CTA trains will not be running on elevated tracks in The Loop this coming weekend as crews will be replacing track switching equipment.

The CTA said crews will be “replacing critical track switching equipment at the Tower 18 junction,” located at the intersection of Lake Street and Wells Street. This is the busiest section of track in the entire CTA system, with an average weekday seeing roughly 700 trains passing through in all directions.

The job will require the temporary suspension of Loop Elevated rail service along the Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines. Service along these lines will operate normally outside of The Loop.

Beginning at 4 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, through 2 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines will not operate at all Loop elevated stations. Those stations are:

• Clark/Lake
• State/Lake
• Washington/Wabash
• Adams/Wabash
• H.W. Library
• LaSalle/Van Buren
• Quincy
• Washington/Wells

Service along the Red and Blue lines will be unaffected.

During this time, the CTA will operate two bus shuttles that will provide connection for affected customers. Customers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time as rail service outside of The Loop may also be delayed, according to officials.

Train Tracker data may also be impacted as well.

Service changes will be as follows:

• 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 4-12 minutes throughout day, with more frequent service provided during the peak travel period of 9am – 10:30pm. Buses will make stops along State, Washington and Madison, and connect with continuing rail services at Roosevelt.
  • Green Line trains will operate normally between Harlem/Lake and Clinton, and between Roosevelt and 63rd Street destinations.
  • 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 5-12 minutes, with more frequent service provided during the peak travel period of 9am – 10:30pm. Buses will make stops near Loop stations.
  • Brown Line trains will operate normally between Kimball and Merchandise Mart.