Chicago CTA Reroutes Buses to Keep South Side Moving

Three CTA bus routes detour around 111th and Talman blockage affecting South Side riders

CTA Reroutes 3 South Side Bus Routes

Three Chicago Transit Authority bus routes on the South Side are running detours due to a street blockage near 111th and Talman, affecting riders' commutes. Routes 112 Vincennes/111th, 52A South Kedzie, and 53A South Pulaski began operating on modified paths Tuesday, February 18, transit officials said. Passengers using stops along the original route near the blockage should expect minor delays and plan for additional travel time.

Blockage Forces Service Modifications

The reroutes stem from a blockage at 111th Street and Talman Avenue that's preventing buses from using their normal paths, according to the transit agency. CTA officials said the detour became necessary to maintain service continuity while the obstruction remains in place. The agency didn't specify what's causing the blockage or whether it's related to construction, infrastructure work, or another issue. Transit agencies typically implement temporary reroutes when street conditions prevent safe or efficient bus operations along standard routes.

Detour Path Spans Multiple Streets

All three affected buses now travel via 111th Street, Western Avenue, 115th Street, Kedzie Avenue, and back to 111th Street to bypass the blocked area, CTA officials confirmed. The detour adds several blocks to the routes' normal paths through the South Side neighborhood. Riders who typically board near 111th and Talman will need to use alternative stops along the rerouted path, though officials didn't specify exact replacement stop locations. The agency said buses are experiencing minor delays due to the longer travel distance.

Duration of Service Changes Unclear

Transit officials haven't said how long the reroutes will remain in effect or when buses might return to their normal paths. The timeline likely depends on when the blockage at 111th and Talman gets resolved, though the agency didn't provide details about remediation efforts or expected completion dates. CTA typically restores standard routes once street conditions allow safe bus operations.

Riders Should Plan for Delays

Passengers using the three affected routes should allow extra time for their trips and check for updated stop locations along the detour path. Commuters who regularly board near the blockage area may need to walk to alternative stops on Western, 115th, or Kedzie to catch rerouted buses. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders navigate temporary service changes and find the nearest available stops.