Blue Line service along the Chicago Transit Authority's  O'Hare branch will resume at 3 a.m. tomorrow, four days ahead of schedule.

"We commend the CTA for making this important project a priority," said Aviation Commissioner Richard L. Rodriguez.

"Faster rail service to and from our airport will greatly benefit O'Hare travelers and employees."

The Blue Line between the CTA's Rosemont and O'Hare stations closed July 8 for crews to replace deteriorated rail, tie plates and spikes.

While work was under way, the CTA provided shuttle buses for passengers traveling between the two stops. CTA personnel were at both locations directing customers to awaiting buses. The system caused unavoidable delays and frustration for many riders.

But, according to CTA officials, the worst is behind them, and riders will soon be reaping the benefits of the CTA's efforts.

"Our efforts to eliminate slow zones continue to speed rail service for customers and improve commute times. Speeds in this area now can resume up to 55 miles per hour rather than the 15 miles per hour in place prior to this work," said CTA President Ron Huberman.

"With the completion of this work, we now have reduced the number of slow zones on the CTA system to just over 11 percent, down from a high of 22.5 percent last fall."

The completion of the Rosemont to O'Hare project moves the CTA one step closer to its goal of eliminating slow zones on the O'Hare branch, bringing the amount of track replaced or improved between the Jefferson Park and O'Hare stops to 65,800 feet.

The final portion of the project, which will target the tracks between Jefferson Park and Addison stations, is scheduled to begin in August.

Slow zone removal work still continues along the Red and Brown Lines.

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