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A CTA Train You Can't Hear Or See? Yes, It's Possible (VIDEO)

 CTA trains can be stealthily quiet when running at grade level.
CTA trains can be stealthily quiet when running at grade level.
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DNAinfo/Patty Wetli

LINCOLN SQUARE — The thunderous clatter of CTA "L" trains is practically the soundtrack of Chicago.

So when motorist Markeita Berry, whose van collided Thursday with a Brown Line train at Rockwell, said she didn't hear — or see — the approaching rail cars, folks were dubious of her excuse to say the least.

Setting aside that it's illegal to drive around crossing gates, a mistake Berry fully copped to, her story is plausible.

At grade-level stations, which the "elevated" tracks are between Rockwell and Kimball, trains can move with ninja-like stealth. Depending on the direction the train is traveling and where a pedestrian or motorist is positioned, the "L" can be all but silent and invisible.

For people who don't routinely commute via stations like Rockwell, a quiet CTA is a real ear-opener.
 

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