CTA Loop signal project to reroute L trains November 14-15
Written by jrood
As part of Chicago Transit Authority's work to replace the signal and train control systems in the Loop, the weekend beginning November 14 crews will be installing a new signal control facility at Lake and Wells that will require elevated trains to reroute on Saturday and Sunday. Brown, Green, Pink and Orange line trains will be temporarily rerouted from approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday, November 14 until 8 p.m. Sunday, November 15. Brown and Orange line trains will operate on the Lake and Wabash elevated tracks only. Green and Pink line trains will operate on the Wells and Van Buren elevated tracks only.
During these hours, the
signal controls will be unable to operate mechanically and trains will be
flagged manually through the intersection by crews on the tracks.
Normal operation is
expected to resume for all four elevated rail lines on Sunday night, November
15.
The new system will help to
improve the reliability of service by regulating train movement, speed and
intervals at the Lake and Wells junction where trains enter and exit the Loop. With
the current signal and control system, trains may experience delays while
waiting for signal clearance when crossing into or out of the Loop.
The new system will reduce
signal clearance delays by replacing the current system, which is more than 30
years old, with new signals designed to improve service reliability by
regulating train movement, speed and intervals more effectively. The newer
equipment also will reduce the cost of maintenance as aging equipment requires
maintenance more frequently.
The Loop Signal replacement
project began in 2007 and is expected to conclude in late 2010. The project is
being conducted in phases to help minimize the impact to customers. The
majority of the work has taken place on weekends and in the early morning
hours.
