Station closures and service interruptions are coming to the CTA Blue Line, as the agency performs track work on the busy branch connecting to O’Hare International Airport.
From Friday to Monday, train service will be replaced by shuttle buses between the Addison and Western stations on the O’Hare branch of the Blue Line, which is one of the busiest in the system. The California, Logan Square and Belmont stations will close.
Train service could be suspended along the section of track on as many as eight other weekends through late May, the CTA said. The three stations could be fully or partially closed for track work, and when they are fully closed shuttle buses will replace train service.
Some bus stops near the construction area will also be relocated. Customer service alerts will be posted at affected bus and train stops.
Track work will be limited to weekends, the CTA said.
The work will replace a component that allows CTA trains to move between tracks. That allows trains to be rerouted onto or away from one set of tracks, which keeps trains running when maintenance has to be performed.
The component is 50 years old, and cannot be repaired, the CTA said.
Work is planned to take place mostly between 10 p.m. Fridays and 4 a.m. Mondays. The agency said it is necessary to provide better service on the busy train line, and help ensure the O’Hare branch can meet rising demand for rides.
sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com
