Racine Station Has Reopened

[@FordTransitandTrains]

Many thanks to those of you who commented to point out the purpose of those siding tracks that I mentioned. They are in fact being used for staging construction equipment during the project. Special shoutout as well to @ChicagolandTransit for pointing out that there were extra tracks here prior to the project, as well. You can see them in the CTA's official "Ride-The-Rails" video from 2019, around the 25:42 mark! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqe2pqSmqNSHqacsi=Bvz_YhNPA-VGAKfh&t=1542

[@ChicagolandTransit]

As usual very well done! The new Racine entrance is supposed to be designed similar to the layout of the entrances along the south Red Line with the Loomis entrance being restored and renovated to its original look. Also those side tracks are used to stage work equipment. They've always had those extra tracks there before the construction.

[@FordTransitandTrains]

Thanks! I hadn't noticed that about those tracks!

[@thpass]

The Loomis ramp was used for re-routed Pink line trains for downtown access during construction of the pink line branch to Lake street. Recently it's only been used to send empty trains for servicing back to the 54th/Cermak train depot. That would be cool if they used the ramps for northbound O'Hare express trains originating from the Pink line.One can hope or dream.

[@FordTransitandTrains]

That ramp has a bit of an interesting history! It was built in 1958 (concurrent with the Forest Park/Congress Branch). From that point until 2006, it was used for O'Hare-54th trips, as what we today know as the Pink Line operated as another branch of the Blue Line. In 2006, the CTA found it much more operationally efficient to run trains directly into the loop to avoid branching on the Blue Line which decreases service frequency on either of the subsequent branches. A rush-hour only service was continued on the O'Hare-54th service pattern until 2008 when this too was dropped for efficiency. It seems unlikely that the CTA would choose to reinstate any sort of routing like this again on any sort of permanent basis, although, yes, it does get used on reroutes and for empty stock movements. I have a sneaky suspicion that we'll see it used in revenue service again temporarily, during future phases of the Forest Park Reconstruction project, but I have my doubts that we'd see that sort of permanent service for the very reasons that the CTA discontinued it in 2006. I may end up making an entire video on this ramp though, it's definitely an interesting topic!

[@joshuasirbu7123]

Love the work Ford! Always awesome seeing a familiar face doing transit content 🚊

[@captainkeyboard1007]

You are welcome and thank you for showing your tour of Racine.

[@keyshawnscott12]

Also those tracks on the side of the station are used to park work train equipment those were there as old tracks as well

[@FordTransitandTrains]

Yep! I'd just notice that as well, as I was further reviewing my footage! It looks like those are in fact temporary sidings where rail-mounted work vehicles are being stored while track work continues. Thanks for the insight!

[@keyshawnscott12]

​​@@FordTransitandTrainsyou welcome I love you cta train content keep up the good work I have your videos as every first notification for everything

[@keyshawnscott12]

Yes the Racine station is open but the Racine ramp isnt Open unfortunately

[@mrAhollandjr]

If you want to impress me, I will wait to see a video if the Racine stop on the GREEN LINE will reopen . The tracks leading to the Pink Line are open. This this tge only connection between the Blue Line and the rest of the system. This is how the new 7000 series cars get to the Blue Line.

[@MetxsightseerRailfan]

At least 5000s won't have issues.