Chicago: Blue Line Study Could Lead to Overhaul

IL: Blue Line Study Could Lead to Overhaul

Jonv Hilkevitch
Source: Chicago Tribune
Created: June 21, 2013


The CTA launched a $1 million study Thursday of the Blue Line stretch that runs along the Eisenhower Expressway, a possible step toward the first major reconstruction of the rail line since it opened more than a half-century ago.

The eight-month study, announced two days before the rail segment's 55th anniversary, is being touted as opening the door to boosting ridership and aiding struggling neighborhoods along the Forest Park branch.

For many residents who use the Blue Line between Forest Park and the Clinton stop in the West Loop, such an overhaul couldn't come soon enough.

The West Side branch tracks are at the end of their useful life, and trains crawl through numerous slow zones -- often barely traveling faster than the cars and trucks mired in rush-hour congestion on that part of Interstate 290. ......................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/10975238/blue-line-study-could-lead-to-overhaul