CTA Yellow Line Closed For Blizzard
UPDATED 02/02/11 11:06 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- CTA officials say the trusty 'L' is Chicagoans' best bet for getting around in the blizzard, but the rapid transit service has not been spared problems.
As the blizzard clobbered the Chicago area, several trains were delayed as debris flew onto the tracks, CTA President Richard Rodriguez said. At one point, a Pink Line train was delayed for several minutes due to debris.
The CTA has also decided to suspend service on the Yellow Line-Skokie Swift altogether. Almost all of the Yellow Line runs at grade level, and thus is particularly affected by blowing and drifting snow, Rodriguez said.
The Pink Line is also closed from Pulaski to 54/Cermak.
The Brown Line was also shut down briefly between Western and Kimball due to a power problem, Rodriguez said. Much of that stretch of the Brown Line runs at street level, and a power problem prevents the signal gates from operating and thus must be taken seriously, he said.
The Brown Line was running to and from Kimball again by 7:15 a.m.
Still, Rodriguez said, "For people who have to travel, rail service is your best alternative."