Chicago Bridge Lift Reroutes Buses — Service Adapting

CTA reroutes #12 Roosevelt and #18 16th/18th buses due to bridge lift at Roosevelt and Canal

CTA Reroutes Two Bus Routes for Bridge Lift

Two Chicago bus routes are temporarily rerouted due to a bridge lift at Roosevelt and Canal, transit officials said Tuesday. The #12 Roosevelt and #18 16th/18th buses are running detours in both directions, affecting thousands of daily riders. The CTA classified the disruption as high severity, though officials didn't specify how long the bridge lift would take.

Bridge Lifts Common in Chicago

Chicago operates 37 movable bridges over the Chicago River, more than any other city in the world, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation. Bridge lifts are routine operations that allow boat traffic to pass through, though they're more common during boating season from April through November. A January bridge lift suggests possible maintenance or special circumstances, though the CTA didn't specify the reason for Tuesday's operation. The Roosevelt Road Bridge over the South Branch is a bascule bridge operated by the city's transportation department.

Routes Serve Thousands Daily

The #12 Roosevelt route carried approximately 8,500 riders on average weekdays before the pandemic, while the #18 16th/18th served about 3,200 daily riders, according to CTA's 2019 ridership report. Officials didn't provide specific detour paths for the rerouted buses or estimate how many riders would be affected by Tuesday's disruption. The alert indicates both routes are rerouted in both directions but doesn't specify which streets buses are using as alternates. Current ridership figures for 2026 weren't available.

Service Returns After Bridge Operations

The disruption will remain in effect until bridge operations are completed, transit officials said. The CTA didn't provide a specific timeline for when normal service would resume. Officials said riders should expect significant changes to their usual travel patterns and may need to allow extra time for their commutes.

Riders Can Check Real-Time Updates

Passengers are encouraged to plan alternative routes if possible and check for updates as bridge operations continue. The CTA said it'll notify riders when normal service resumes, though officials didn't specify how that notification would occur. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA bus routes, including service alerts and alternative routing options during disruptions.