CTA trains return to normal after signal problems in the Loop

CTA elevated trains throughout the system were beset by major delays for a couple of hours Wednesday morning because of defective equipment and signal problems, affecting commutes from the North, West and Southwest sides into the Loop.

Orange, Green, Brown, Pink and Purple line trains were affected by the signal problems, which originated near the Wabash and Van Buren junction, an alert from the CTA said.

The CTA first alerted customers to problems shortly before 8 a.m. Although normal service had been restored to all but the Purple Line within a couple hours, as of about 10 a.m. trains on all affected lines were still operating with residual delays, according to the CTA.

Purple Line Express trains were sent counterclockwise around the Loop via the Outer Loop track (Brown Line side) through the morning rush, the CTA said.

Trains on the Brown line had also experienced delays of their own due to "defective equipment" near the Francisco station, according to a separate alert from the CTA.

Brown Line riders reported that at stations such as Montrose on the North Side, the platform was jammed with people about 8 a.m. By about 8:25 a.m., the CTA reported service was being restored and trains were moving, but residual delays could be expected.