Chicago CTA Maintains Route 50 Service Continuity

Route 50 Damen bus detours via Madison and Western after Damen-Washington closure

Route 50 Damen Bus Rerouted Near Chicago Loop

Chicago's Route 50 Damen bus is running on a detour near the Loop after a street blockage closed the intersection at Damen and Washington, transit officials said Monday. Buses in both directions are using Madison Street and Western Avenue to bypass the closure. The Chicago Transit Authority hasn't said when normal service will resume.

Street Closure Forces Service Changes

The blockage at Damen and Washington forced the CTA to implement a temporary detour affecting all Route 50 service through the area. Buses now travel along Damen Avenue to Madison Street, then use Western Avenue and Fulton Street before returning to Damen Avenue. Officials didn't specify what caused the street blockage or provide details about repair work. The CTA classified this as a high-severity alert, indicating significant impact on riders' usual travel patterns.

Detour Affects Multiple Stops

The reroute affects boarding locations for riders who typically use stops along the closed section of Damen Avenue near Washington. Officials said passengers should expect delays and plan to board at alternate locations along the detour route. The CTA didn't provide specific information about how many stops are temporarily unavailable or where riders should go instead. Transit agencies typically post temporary stop signs along detour routes, though officials haven't confirmed whether that's happening for this closure.

Timeline Remains Unclear

The alert was published Feb. 24, but officials haven't announced when the street will reopen or normal bus service will resume. The CTA said it'll update riders as conditions change, though a specific timeline for those updates wasn't provided. Street blockages in downtown Chicago typically last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the nature of repairs or construction work.

Riders Urged to Check for Updates

The CTA advised passengers to allow extra travel time and check for service updates before trips. Officials said riders should expect potential delays throughout the detour period. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA routes, including Route 50 Damen detours and estimated arrival times at affected stops.