Snowstorm hampers commuters; CTA Yellow Line resumes service

Chicago-area commuters struggled Tuesday after a snowstorm dumped 18 inches of snow on some parts of the city.

On Chicago expressways, police responded to at least six crashes Tuesday morning, according to Illinois State Police. Three of the crashes had injuries.

The express lanes of the Kennedy Expressway remained closed for Tuesday evening’s commute as crews work to plow snow from overnight. The express lanes were expected to reopen Wednesday morning after plows remove snow, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The lanes were closed Tuesday morning after the reversible gates were blocked by snow.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation announced Tuesday that over 400 snow plows and salt spreaders were deployed to clear the city’s main roadways and Lake Shore Drive, and were transitioning to side streets about 5:40 p.m.

CTA disruptions

• The Yellow Line service was suspended due to track switching problems at Howard, along with Purple Line Express service. Purple Line Local service has resumed between Howard and Linden after an earlier suspension and the Yellow Line resumed normal service.
• Brown Line trains were suspended for about 15 minutes Tuesday between Kimball and Belmont due to a mechanical problem at Kimball. The suspension was first reported about 11:45 a.m.
• Red Line trains were running with delays following a switching problem that started at 5 a.m. at Howard. Service had been suspended between Belmont and Howard.
• Meanwhile, Blue Line service was suspended for three hours on the West Side after a woman died at the Pulaski station. Officers responded about 5:30 a.m. to altercation and found the woman lying on the tracks, police said. Witnesses told officers the woman jumped on the tracks after an altercation with a person. Service resumed at 8:30 a.m.