Chicago Bus 35 Reroutes — Riders Adapt on South Side
CTA temporarily reroutes Bus 35 at 35th and Damen, affecting South Side commuters
CTA Reroutes Bus 35 at 35th and Damen
Chicago's Bus Route 35 is temporarily rerouting around the 35th and Damen intersection, affecting riders on the city's South Side. The Chicago Transit Authority announced the high-severity service change Thursday, warning passengers to expect potential delays and modified stop locations. Officials didn't specify how long the reroute will remain in effect or which specific stops are affected.
Why the Reroute Matters
The 35th and Damen intersection serves as a key connection point for South Side commuters traveling between neighborhoods and downtown Chicago. Transit agencies typically implement temporary reroutes due to construction, infrastructure repairs, or street closures, though CTA officials haven't said what's causing this particular detour. The agency classified the alert as high-severity, indicating significant impact on regular service patterns. Riders who use this route for work or school commutes should plan for longer travel times and possible changes to their boarding locations.
Service Change Details
The CTA published the service alert on January 16, 2026, advising passengers to allow extra travel time when using Route 35. Officials recommend checking for updates before traveling, though they haven't provided specific information about which streets the bus will use during the reroute or how many stops will be temporarily relocated. The agency didn't release details about whether the reroute affects service in one or both directions. Typical temporary reroutes can add 5-15 minutes to travel times depending on traffic conditions and the length of the detour.
Timeline and Duration
The reroute took effect this week, but CTA officials haven't announced when normal service will resume at 35th and Damen. Transit agencies typically provide estimated completion dates for temporary service changes, though that information wasn't available in the initial alert. The agency said it'll provide updates as conditions change.
What Riders Need to Know
Passengers who regularly use Route 35 should plan for modified stop locations near the 35th and Damen area and allow additional travel time for their commutes. The CTA advises checking for service updates before traveling. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and reroute information for CTA routes, helping riders navigate temporary service changes and find the nearest available stops.
