Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle said Tuesday's she's in full support of the Chicago Transit Authority's plan to completely shut down a south side portion of the Red Line for several months next year.
“If we’re going to have a first-class public transit system, we have to invest in it, and that means we have to maintain it and keep it up. And while it will be an inconvenience for five months for people who use the Red, it’s well worth it for the long-term viability of the system," she said.
CTA officials kicked off the work week with a surprise to commuters in announcing that a nearly 10-mile stretch of the Dan Ryan branch of the Red Line would temporarily close. Doing the work all at once will allow the work to be completed in five months, rather than the four years it would take if it were only done on nights and weekends.
"Periodically we’re inconvenienced by the fact that we have to maintain our infrastructure. I think that’s entirely appropriate and right," said Preckwinkle.
Preckwinkle is a south side resident and the former alderman of the city's 4th Ward.
