Year 2, Day 150: 27 March 2014

Another day of organizing and working behind the scenes in preparation for the next weekend-long work-a-thon. This weekend, in addition to street closings in the Farwell and Glenwood area, southbound Red Line trains will bypass Loyola, Morse, and Jarvis stations, while crews continue the important task of running power lines from the substation to the tracks. Here's more information on the weekend changes in service from the CTA website.

In other news, i'm very pleased to announce that plans are now being finalized for yours truly to tour the substation some time during the next couple of weeks. 

Year 2, Day 148: 25 March 2014

The work went smoothly over the weekend and even finished earlier than anticipated. Let's hope that the same will be the case next weekend! Meanwhile, although most of the work continues to be happening behind the walls, this worker attached a light fixture to the outer wall today. 

About a month ago, i received a message regarding the possibility of gaining access to the substation. I've sent a couple of emails to the CTA contact i was given, but have not yet heard anything back. I hope to hear something soon, so i'll be able to finally see what's happening beyond the brick walls.

Year 2, Day 146: 23 March 2014: Snow

 Winter has become like a bad houseguest this year, refusing to leave 

long after it's worn out its welcome. And so, despite yet another round of snow, 

work continued on the trackbed on this cold Sunday morning.

Year 2, Day 145: 22 March 2014, Pt. 2: The Night Shift

The work will continue throughout the night and straight on into the wee hours on Monday. One of these days, i'm going to have to get myself a real camera, especially for night shots (although my little Galaxy S3 does a pretty good job for a phone camera). 

Ready for the night shift.
Those safety vests sure are shiny!

Year 2, Day 145: 22 March 2014

It's been a busy morning at track level, as work is done to bring the power lines from the substation out to the tracks. The work is focused on tracks 1 & 2, the southbound tracks on the western side of the embankment. The southbound trains have been diverted to track 3, while the northbound are on track 4, the outside track usually used by the northbound Purple Line at rush hours.

As thrilling as this view is, the better spot for catching the action is west of the tracks where workers and machinery create a busy scene along Glenwood.  

A smile and a wave from the crane operator!

Sparks!

And more sparks!

About an hour and a half after the first series of pictures were taken, a lot of progress had been made. 

Year 2, Day 144: 21 March 2014

The day got off to a busy start with people and equipment everywhere, 

preparing for the weekend-long work-a-thon. 

A CTA crew was on the job this morning preparing a temporary safety fence at track level.

CTA crew at work, seen from the Morse L platform

 By evening, the activity level was just as high, and driving in the area was becoming a challenge. 

Powerful work lights have been brought in
so the work can continue throughout the night.

The work will continue non-stop until Monday morning. Traveling by car or L will be a challenge this weekend. Avoid driving on Glenwood and Farwell, parts of which will be closed; remember that northbound Red Line trains will not make any stops between Berwyn and Morse. And now, dear reader, if you will excuse me, i am going to take a little nap in anticipation of a bright and noisy night.