Narrative:

During shift change; I was relieved off ground control/ground metering/clearance delivery/flight data. I briefed the relieving controller that we were landing runway 27L and soon to be runway 28C (which had just opened); and departing runway 28R. All 5 other runways were still closed per the city of chicago and all taxiways had been opened. I honestly don't remember if I specified each specific runway that was closed; but I do remember pointing to the closure strips stating 'all these runways are closed.' I also advised the controller that the airport surface detection equipment; model X (asde-X) was out of service. Shortly after completing the relief overlap; I was moved to the north local position. Approximately 5-10 minutes later; I was again being relieved. At that time; a departure was taxied to runway 22L and departed while the runway was still closed. I did not notice this until after it occurred.a few factors that I believe allowed this to happen. Asde-X was out of service. Even though proper runway closure strips were at all positions; most controllers rely primarily on the ground radar to verify runway status (especially in the early morning when the airport is re-opened). Multiple positions were being relieved within a few minutes of each other. In addition; considering the early morning timeframe; fatigue was likely a factor. The controller who was about to take the position from the controller who had the incursion (in my opinion); was excessively vocal and critical of the actions of the current controllers on position (myself included). This; without a doubt; was unnecessary and caused a distraction throughout the tower.as noted above; the asde-X plays a very important role in ord's operation. Every effort should be made to keep it operational at all times. Continue to strive to stagger position relief briefings.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Two ORD Tower Controllers reported an aircraft was taxied and cleared for takeoff from a closed runway.

Narrative: During shift change; I was relieved off Ground Control/Ground Metering/Clearance Delivery/Flight Data. I briefed the relieving controller that we were landing Runway 27L and soon to be Runway 28C (which had just opened); and departing Runway 28R. All 5 other runways were still closed per the City of Chicago and all taxiways had been opened. I honestly don't remember if I specified each specific runway that was closed; but I do remember pointing to the closure strips stating 'all these runways are closed.' I also advised the controller that the Airport Surface Detection Equipment; Model X (ASDE-X) was out of service. Shortly after completing the relief overlap; I was moved to the north local position. Approximately 5-10 minutes later; I was again being relieved. At that time; a departure was taxied to Runway 22L and departed while the runway was still closed. I did not notice this until after it occurred.A few factors that I believe allowed this to happen. ASDE-X was out of service. Even though proper runway closure strips were at all positions; most controllers rely primarily on the ground radar to verify runway status (especially in the early morning when the airport is re-opened). Multiple positions were being relieved within a few minutes of each other. In addition; considering the early morning timeframe; fatigue was likely a factor. The controller who was about to take the position from the controller who had the incursion (in my opinion); was excessively vocal and critical of the actions of the current controllers on position (myself included). This; without a doubt; was unnecessary and caused a distraction throughout the tower.As noted above; the ASDE-X plays a very important role in ORD's operation. Every effort should be made to keep it operational at all times. Continue to strive to stagger position relief briefings.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.