Crews Begin FastTracks Project Work to Improve Green and Pink Line Service
Track renewal work temporarily impacting Green Line service begins this weekend
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced that it will begin renewing stretches of track along the Green and Pink lines, which will require several weekend-only service disruptions beginning this weekend through November. The work is part of CTA's FastTracks program, a multi-year $179 million investment in track and electrical improvements that will provide customers with a faster and a smoother 'L' ride.
The first of 14 scheduled weekend service disruptions, also known as line-cuts, is scheduled for this weekend between the Roosevelt and 35th-Bronzeville-IIT Green Line stations from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.
During this time, a free bus shuttle will be available to customers who need to travel between the affected stations. Customers will be guided to the bus shuttles via signage at both the Roosevelt and 35th-Bronzeville-IIT stations. Rail riders who use the free bus shuttle will be granted a free transfer upon re-entering the rail system by simply re-tapping their Ventra payment devices on rail station fare machines. CTA also encourages customers to allow for extra travel time.
Taking place this summer and throughout the fall, these line-cuts are necessary to allow crews to replace deteriorated rail ties and track components that are beyond their useful life. Work is planned for the South branch of the Green Line between 17th and 30th Streets and along the shared Green and Pink Line tracks between the Loop and Ashland Avenue.
As with all major construction projects, every effort is being made to minimize the impact of work on commuters and the surrounding communities. Additional information for the remaining line-cuts will be provided to the public in the near future.
FastTracks is a comprehensive program of track repairs and maintenance designed to provide faster commutes and smoother rides for 'L' customers on the four busiest rail lines: Red, Blue, Brown and Green. Work includes repairing and upgrading rail, rail ties and electrical power in multiple locations throughout the system. FastTracks is funded through a small increase in fees charged to app-based ride-hailing companies operating in Chicago.