4 replies to this topic

[Trogdor]

As has been reported elsewhere on the AU Forums, the CTA Blue Line has been in rough shape for a while, with slow zones causing significant delays and service disruptions.

In an effort to eliminate those slow zones, various parts of the Blue Line are undergoing maintenance, either in the form of single-tracks or line cuts (closures). Some time this fall, the Blue Line will have a line cut between Jefferson Park and Harlem (Click here for a map of the area in question). The dates have not yet been set, but there will be several weekends where trains will not operate between those two stations. It is possible that the weekend of our get-together will be one of those weekends.

If that is the case, shuttle buses will provide a connection between the two stations (and considering the severe speed limitations on the line, the buses could very well make better time). The main result is that you will have to allow extra time when traveling.

Note that these closures will not affect weekday service (except for several overnight closures, dates TBD), so those of you catching Friday or Monday flights will get to suffer through the normal Blue Line service.

As soon as I learn additional details regarding this project (such as whether it is anticipated to affect the weekend of our gathering, exactly what the supplemental service will entail, or other details), I'll be sure to let you know. I just wanted to give you a heads up now so that everyone isn't caught off guard if the work happens to take place that weekend.

[WhoozOn1st]

Thank you for the heads up. I'm not staying out by O'Hare, but this is good to know anyway.

[MrFSS]

As has been reported elsewhere on the AU Forums, the CTA Blue Line has been in rough shape for a while, with slow zones causing significant delays and service disruptions.

In an effort to eliminate those slow zones, various parts of the Blue Line are undergoing maintenance, either in the form of single-tracks or line cuts (closures). Some time this fall, the Blue Line will have a line cut between Jefferson Park and Harlem (Click here for a map of the area in question). The dates have not yet been set, but there will be several weekends where trains will not operate between those two stations. It is possible that the weekend of our get-together will be one of those weekends.

If that is the case, shuttle buses will provide a connection between the two stations (and considering the severe speed limitations on the line, the buses could very well make better time). The main result is that you will have to allow extra time when traveling.

Note that these closures will not affect weekday service (except for several overnight closures, dates TBD), so those of you catching Friday or Monday flights will get to suffer through the normal Blue Line service.

As soon as I learn additional details regarding this project (such as whether it is anticipated to affect the weekend of our gathering, exactly what the supplemental service will entail, or other details), I'll be sure to let you know. I just wanted to give you a heads up now so that everyone isn't caught off guard if the work happens to take place that weekend.

Robert - if this happens while we are there do you know if when the train gets to the last stop where you catch the bus, is there a bus waiting there for it? Enough buses for all on the entire train, or can we expect really long delays?

Thanks!!

[Trogdor]

Buses would be scheduled to provide regular service, and there should usually be usually a couple waiting at the stop when the train arrives.

This weekend is the last of five line cuts between the Western/Milwaukee station and downtown. That's the most difficult of the shuttles, due to the distance, loads (i.e. the heaviest section of the route), geography of the area, lack of convenient facilities at either end (especially at Western, where passengers have to lug their luggage down a flight of stairs to catch an on-street bus, or take the elevator and take their chances across a busy street).

For the Jefferson Park to Harlem shuttle, there are bus terminals at either end, so it should be fairly easy to get to the bus from the elevators/escalators. The shuttle trip should also be much shorter than for those going between Western and Clark/Lake or Jackson.

For the Western shuttles, there we were usually able to accommodate an entire trainload with two articulated buses (albeit crush loaded). Sometimes, a third bus would be required. The longest delays tended to be in getting down the stairs and boarding the bus at Western. I'm hopeful that the different setup at Jefferson Park and Harlem should reduce the delays in boarding (besides the fact that ridership is lower at that end of the route, thereby inherently reducing delays from the start).

Don't worry. Regardless of what happens, I'll personally make sure that all the bases are covered regarding the bus shuttle.

[MrFSS]

Don't worry. Regardless of what happens, I'll personally make sure that all the bases are covered regarding the bus shuttle.

That's why you get the Big Bucks, Robert!!