Chicago CTA Reroutes Route 87 to Keep Riders Moving
CTA Route 87 buses detour via 89th Street due to construction on 87th Street corridor
CTA Reroutes Route 87 for Street Work
Chicago Transit Authority's Route 87 buses are running on a detour along 89th Street while street work blocks the usual path on 87th Street between Cottage Grove and Stony Island, transit officials said. The reroute began November 9 and will continue until further notice, though officials haven't announced when the street work will be completed. Route 87 serves the 87th Street corridor on Chicago's South Side.
Detour Routes Around Construction Zone
The temporary reroute affects both directions of Route 87 service. Eastbound buses travel via 87th Street, Cottage Grove Avenue, 89th Street, and Stony Island Avenue before returning to the regular route, according to the transit agency. Westbound buses follow the reverse path using Stony Island, 89th Street, Cottage Grove, and 87th Street. Affected stops have been temporarily relocated to 89th Street during the construction period. Officials didn't provide details about the scope or contractor for the street work project.
One of Many CTA Routes
Route 87 is one of 129 bus routes operated by CTA, which serves approximately 700,000 rides on an average weekday across its bus system. Transit agencies routinely reroute bus service during street construction and maintenance work to keep service running while infrastructure improvements are completed. The number of riders affected by this specific reroute wasn't available, as CTA doesn't release route-specific ridership data in real-time. Officials said the detour allows buses to maintain service to the 87th Street corridor while the street work proceeds.
No Timeline for Return to Normal
The reroute will remain in effect until the street work on 87th Street is completed, but officials haven't provided a target date for when buses will return to the regular route. CTA typically coordinates with the Chicago Department of Transportation on construction projects that affect bus routes, though specific details about the timeline for this street work project weren't available. The transit agency said it'll notify riders when the reroute ends and service returns to normal.
Riders Advised to Plan Extra Time
Passengers who regularly use Route 87 should allow extra travel time and check for updates on the reroute status, officials said. The detour adds distance to the route as buses navigate around the construction zone on 89th Street. Riders can check Moovit for real-time Route 87 bus locations and updated arrival times during the temporary reroute. Officials recommend that travelers whose usual stops are in the affected area use the temporarily relocated stops on 89th Street between Cottage Grove and Stony Island.
