Normal Blue Line service resuming after track issues near Jefferson Park

By Sun-Times Wire

Chicago Transit Authority crews work to repair a rail malfunction that caused major delays on the Blue Line near the Forest Park station on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. | CTA

Normal service is resuming for Blue Line trains after track problems caused four hours of major delays Friday morning near the Northwest Side Jefferson Park station.

Forest Park-bound trains were temporarily stopped because of a “track condition” about 8:30 a.m., according to an alert from the Chicago Transit Authority. A CTA spokeswoman said a large section of the electrified third rail failed in the area and crews were dispatched to repair it.

Trains operated on a single track in both directions between Harlem and Montrose, according to the CTA.

Normal service on both tracks resumed with residual delays by 12:35 p.m., officials said.

Today, we experienced an issue with the electrified third rail on the Blue Line near Jeff Pk. A long section was damaged & crews responded as quickly as possible to begin repairs. Crews will continue to work throughout day -- we est repairs will be completed by early afternoon. pic.twitter.com/tz0CdviacN
— cta (@cta) February 1, 2019

[Significant Delays] Some Blue Line trains are operating with residual delays following an earlier track condition near Jefferson Park. Normal service is resuming using both tracks.
— cta (@cta) February 1, 2019