The "L" and the CTA, of course, cannot be
considered without dwelling long and fondly upon the Loop. This piece
of urban transit is now well into its second century of service.
No other city in the country has its rapid transit so visible in its
downtown.
The middle part of the twentieth century saw two subways built under
center city,
which deflected some routes, and considerable traffic, from the
elevated structure. Further, the demise of two
interurbans, and later on, changing employment and demographic patterns significantly
affected the intensity
of traffic along
these tracks.
But the glorious old structure continues to provide frequent service
above Wells, Lake, Wabash and Van Buren around downtown. As recently as 2006
the rerouting of a Blue Line branch that formerly ran in the
Dearborn St. Subway added to the traffic flow. Five lines use
all or part of the Loop during peak hours.
This photo looks north from the Adams station over Wabash. The next stop, Madison/Wabash, is close by. And further beyond
the old pedestrian overpass at that station one can see roof portions
of the
Randolph/Wabash, the second station north. |
