Chicago Bus 157 Reroutes for Canal Street Work

CTA reroutes northbound bus 157 via Taylor and Jefferson streets for Canal Street work

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CTA Reroutes Bus 157 for Canal Street Work

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Chicago's bus route 157 Streeterville/Taylor is running on a detour that affects northbound riders traveling through the West Loop. The Chicago Transit Authority rerouted the route Monday, December 15, via Taylor and Jefferson streets due to the Chicago Department of Transportation's Canal Street Reconstruction Project. Southbound service continues on its regular route without changes.

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The Canal Street project requires street closures that make the route's normal path impassable for buses, transit officials said. CDOT's reconstruction work involves infrastructure improvements along the corridor that connects the Loop to neighborhoods south and west. The agency hasn't said when the Canal Street work will be completed. Street reconstruction projects in Chicago typically involve utility upgrades, pavement replacement, and streetscape improvements that can take several months to finish.

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Northbound buses now travel via Taylor Street to Jefferson Street before returning to Washington Street and resuming normal routing, according to the CTA. The transit agency designated multiple temporary boarding locations along Jefferson Street for passengers who'd normally board on Canal Street. Officials advised riders to allow extra travel time while the detour remains in effect. The CTA hasn't announced when route 157 will return to its regular path.

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The reroute began December 15 with no specified end date, transit officials said. The duration depends on CDOT's construction timeline, which wasn't available. The CTA typically restores normal routing once street work is completed and roadways reopen to traffic. Officials said they'll announce the route's return to regular service once the Canal Street project allows buses back onto the corridor.

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Riders who use route 157 should plan for longer trips and check for updates before traveling, officials said. The detour adds several blocks to northbound trips through the affected area. The CTA is also managing Green Line delays with shuttle buses between Cottage Grove and Garfield stations, plus elevator outages on Red, Brown, Orange, and Pink lines. Moovit provides real-time CTA bus and train tracking to help riders navigate service changes and plan alternative routes.