Problems with making new CTA train signals work properly on the Loop elevated tracks threaten to cause delays of more than one year in the rail modernization project downtown, transit officials said Wednesday.
In addition, numerous change orders related to the technical difficulties in updating the 40-year-old signaling system may lead to cost overruns in the project, which currently is budgeted at more than $100 million, Chris Bushell, CTA manager of power and way, told the Chicago Transit Authority Board.
Completion of the work on replacing signaling at a key Loop junction is now scheduled for spring 2010 instead of next year, Bushell said.
The signaling project is running 377 days behind schedule, he added in a slide presentation to the board.
The CTA is working with its contractors to solve problems and regain lost time, CTA President Ron Huberman said.
A related $22 million project to replace deteriorated rail ties on a portion of the Loop structure remains on time and within budget toward completion before Thanksgiving, Huberman said.
-- Jon Hilkevitch, Chicago Tribune
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