WICKER PARK — A gas line was struck in front of the CTA Damen Blue Line "L" station in Wicker Park late Saturday, causing some nearby businesses to close a few hours early on what was already a slower-than-usual night due to the holiday weekend.
There were no injuries or damages related to the incident, which happened around 11:10 p.m. Saturday, when contractors who were digging in front of the station "struck a one-inch low pressure gas line," said Catherine Hosinski, a CTA spokeswoman.
Hosinski said that the fire department responded immediately and "requested that immediate area be evacuated."
The issue was resolved before midnight, according to local police and Rocco Salva, a Fire Department spokesman.
The $13.6 million renovation of the station, which kicked off Oct. 20, includes replacing an old and leaky roof, installing new flooring and a new wood platform, and upgrading lighting, water and sewer systems.
Blue Line Lounge and Grill, 1548 N. Damen Ave. which is located next to the station, evacuated about 75 customers and workers and closed for the night after the incident, witnesses said.
A manager of the bar, which is usually open until 3 a.m. Sunday, declined to comment the early closure.
Glazed and Infused Doughnuts, which operates a late night takeout window until 2 a.m. in the back of Francesca's Forno restaurant, across from the station, also closed early.
Big Star, Dove's Luncheonette and Violet Hour remained open, as did Double Door, which was hosting a concert with Har Mar Superstar and the Pizza Underground, Macauley Culkin's pizza-themed tribute band to the Velvet Underground.
The Damen station closed Oct. 20 and is scheduled to reopen on Dec. 22.
Station and platform upgrades taking place during the nine-week closure include wider gates, more turnstiles, bike racks and public art (to be added after the station reopens). There will be about 35 percent more space in the entry way, with the removal of a concession area.
(See the full renovation plan here)
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