If, within the period of limitations of actions provided in such cases, owners of land abutting or fronting upon any street, alley, or public place in which a subway has been constructed commence actions to recover any damage by reason of the construction, maintenance, or operation of subways under this Division 121, the clerk of the court in which the proceedings are brought shall make up a special trial calendar of all such cases, and the court thereupon shall designate an early time for the hearing thereof. Such cases shall have priority in hearing and determination over all other civil proceedings pending in that court, except election contests.
65 ILCS 5/11-121-9