Chicago CTA Adjusts Bus Routes for Construction

CTA reroutes #49B bus starting Oct 4 due to Western Avenue construction work

CTA Reroutes #49B Bus for Construction Work

Chicago's #49B North Western bus will take a detour starting late Saturday night due to construction along Western Avenue, transit officials said. The reroute affects both the #49B and #11 Lincoln routes beginning October 4 at 11:30 PM, with no end date announced. Southbound buses will end trips at Western/Eastwood instead of the Western Brown Line station terminal.

Construction Prompts Service Adjustment

The temporary routing change stems from construction work in the Western Avenue corridor, according to the Chicago Transit Authority. Bus reroutes are common when infrastructure projects require street closures or lane restrictions that prevent normal bus operations. The CTA didn't specify what type of construction is underway or which blocks of Western Avenue are affected. Transit agencies typically coordinate with city departments to minimize service disruptions during construction projects while maintaining access to key destinations.

Modified Routes and Stop Changes

Southbound #49B buses will operate via Western, Wilson, Lincoln, Montrose, and back to Western before ending at Western/Eastwood rather than continuing to the Brown Line terminal. Northbound buses will start trips at Western/Eastwood and then follow their normal Western Avenue route. The CTA didn't say how many stops will be skipped or whether temporary stops will be added along the detour route. Officials also haven't indicated whether service frequency will change during the reroute period.

Indefinite Timeline for Route Restoration

The reroute takes effect Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:30 PM, but officials haven't announced when normal routing will resume. The CTA said the end date will be determined based on construction progress. Transit officials advised passengers to allow extra travel time while the detour is in effect.

Riders Should Plan for Delays

Passengers who normally board or exit at stops between Western/Eastwood and the Brown Line terminal should plan alternate routes during the construction period. The detour via Lincoln Avenue will add time to southbound trips. Riders can check real-time bus locations and adjusted schedules through Moovit, which provides updates for CTA routes throughout the reroute period.