CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Regular service is beginning to return on the CTA Blue Line.
The Chicago Transit Authority reopened full service to the Forest Park Branch Blue Line on Sunday, with trains operating uninterrupted between the O'Hare and Forest Park Stations for the first time since late July.
Nearly three miles of track, between LaSalle and Illinois Medical District stations, were rebuilt in an 11-week span. The $268 million construction project was part of phase one of the CTA's Forest Park Branch Rebuild.
The CTA had provided bus shuttle service between UIC-Halsted and Illinois Medical District stations during the track replacement.
Phase one will continue with the complete reconstruction of the Racine Station as well as building of the new Morgan substation.
The CTA says Blue Line service will continue to be impacted for the next two years. Trains will run temporarily at a reduced speed between LaSalle and the Illinois Medical District and will slowly increase up to its posted speed. The transit agency hopes trains will return to full speed by the end of the year.
Riders can expect weekend line-cuts, single track operations and back rides, the CTA says.
Ultimately, the CTA will rebuild seven of the 65-year-old Forest Park Branch's rail stations, with accessibility updates, rebuilt tracks, and electrical upgrades.
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