Construction updates

As promised, I raised the concerns many of you have shared about Red and Blue Line slow zones at this week's CTA board meeting. As you can see from this updated map, we've had a significant increase in slow zones on the Blue Line. This has been caused in part by an abundance of caution as we increase inspections following last month's derailment. Once those very detailed inspections are complete, it is anticipated that much of these slow zones will be lifted. Our recent heat wave is also responsible for some of these zones, particularly on our older infrastructure.

I have asked staff to do everything they can to adjust/increase service around these slow zones to mitigate the delays and crowded trains you have been experiencing.

On the Red Line, CTA staff said they continue to plan eliminating all of the slow zones on the north Red Line before the end of the year in anticipation of three-track operations at Belmont and Fullerton. We also scheduled the Clark Junction work to be done ahead of the three-track situation so that we will have as much flexibility as possible to provide maximum service levels.

I have asked staff to consider all of the suggestions and concerns you have raised about the challenges of 3-track operations, and to provide a more comprehensive plan in the next few weeks.