The CTA reported Wednesday the derailment that took place downtown this weekend, but many say they were caught off guard.
Some people prefer more expensive options to get in and out of the loop.
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Some Loop platforms were eerily empty this weekend. The usual hum of trains is nowhere to be heard after the CTA suspended all enhanced service this weekend.
“I’m lost in my city, and it’s scary,” said CTA rider Felix Medrano.
Medrano tried to take the Pink Line home to Pilsen.
“It’s kind of an inconvenience to me, but I can imagine other people, you know, tourists and that, I can imagine what they’re going through,” Medrano said.
The CTA says the service disruption is necessary to replace critical track switching equipment at the Tower 18 interchange near Wells and Lake, one of the nation’s busiest stretches of rail.
“I have my Ventra card. I look like a fool for carrying it. I didn’t use it at all today,” said Loop resident Mackenzie Lio.
Li works weekends in Andersonville, and when her Brown Line station was closed, she opted for a rideshare ride.
“At least it’s $18 each way. Closer to 80, but I don’t want to admit it,” Lio said. “It hurts a lot. It’s a lot of money.”
The CTA is providing free shuttle service to affected riders to and from the Loop, and many are taking the change with haste.
“I’m in no rush, so it’s just a challenge that I’m going to take,” said South Loop resident Alex Eimiller. “Called Uber and then decided to, you know what, cancel Uber.” I’ll take one of the Divvy bikes and go where I’ve been going.”
“Probably stay home. Maybe watch some movies while they deal with the situation,” said Jose Quiroz, who lives near Kilpa.
The CTA thanks riders for their patience, writing on social media: “Our crews are performing a huge symphony of critical track work…and other infrastructure improvements, and the concert is in full swing!”
The work includes improvements to the station, such as removing the Adams and Wabash culverts, and work on equipment that protects pigeons at Clark and Lake.
The Red and Blue lines are still in the loop, and all lines outside the loop are unaffected. The CTA says Loop service resumes at 2 a.m. Monday.
The video in the player above is from a previous report.
The Chicago Department of Transportation shared the following statement with ABC7:
“Chicago maintains more than 300 bridges and viaducts, including one of the largest movable bridge systems in the world. Given the age and complexity of this infrastructure, it is inevitable that some major repair and rehabilitation projects will overlap. Many of these are long-awaited improvement projects that will ensure these important structures remain safe and reliable for decades to come.”
“CDOT works closely with contractors to complete each project as efficiently as possible. We recognize that overlapping closures are inconvenient, and we sincerely thank residents, businesses and commuters for their patience as we invest in Chicago’s bridge system, improve safety and support the city’s economy.”
All Loop stations closed: Clark/Lake, State/Lake, Washington/Wabash, Adams/Wabash, HW Library, LaSalle/Van Buren, Quincy and Washington/Wells.
– Pink line: After the Polk station, Pink Line trains will be diverted to the Racine Blue Line station. Transfer to Blue Line subway trains for continued service downtown. For Pink Line service to Ashland, Morgan and Clinton, consider nearby bus routes.
-Green and orange lines: Free shuttles run between Roosevelt and Clinton every 4-12 minutes throughout the day. Buses will make stops along the state, Washington, and Madison, connecting with regular rail service at Roosevelt.
– Orange line trains continue to run normally between Midway and Roosevelt.
– brown line: Free shuttles run between the Merchandise Mart and HW Library every 5-12 minutes. Buses will stop at Loop stations.