Chicago #39 Bus Reroutes — Riders Adapt to Changes

CTA reroutes #39 Pershing bus at Racine intersection with no timeline for restoration

2026-01-09, Moovit News Team

CTA Reroutes #39 Pershing Bus at Racine

Riders of Chicago's #39 Pershing bus should expect service changes at the Racine and Pershing intersection, transit officials said Thursday. The Chicago Transit Authority classified the temporary reroute as a high-severity alert, indicating significant impact to regular pickup locations and travel times. Officials haven't specified which streets buses will use during the detour.

Service Alert Details

The CTA published the service alert January 9 for the #39 Pershing route, which runs east-west along Pershing Road on Chicago's South Side. The agency operates the nation's second-largest public transportation system, serving Chicago and 40 surrounding suburbs. Officials didn't provide details about what's causing the reroute, whether it's related to construction, street work, or another issue. The high-severity classification indicates riders should expect notable changes to their usual commute patterns.
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Impact on Riders

The reroute affects service at the Racine and Pershing intersection, though the CTA hasn't detailed which specific bus stops are temporarily closed or relocated. Both inbound and outbound service along the #39 Pershing corridor could see changes, transit officials said. The agency didn't release information about how many riders use the route daily or how long the detour adds to travel times. Passengers should check for alternative pickup locations near the affected intersection, as their regular stops may not be in service during the reroute.
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Timeline Unknown

The CTA hasn't announced when normal service is expected to resume on the #39 Pershing route. Officials didn't provide a timeline for the temporary reroute or indicate whether it'll last days, weeks, or longer. The agency typically updates service alerts as situations develop, but no restoration date was available at publication time.

Rider Resources

Commuters who regularly use the #39 Pershing route should plan extra time for their trips and verify pickup locations before heading to their usual stops. Dorval R. Carter Jr., CTA president, oversees the transit system serving the Chicago region. Riders can check real-time bus locations and service updates through Moovit, which provides current information for CTA routes throughout the city.