Chicago CTA Route 4 Adapts to Keep South Side Moving

CTA Route 4 buses detour via Stony Island Avenue due to Cottage Grove closure

CTA Route 4 Reroutes on South Side

Chicago Transit Authority's Route 4 Cottage Grove is temporarily rerouted on the city's South Side due to a street closure, transit officials said. The change affects service on Cottage Grove Avenue between 95th and 103rd Streets, with buses using alternate streets to maintain service. Officials haven't announced when the temporary reroute will end.

Street Closure Prompts Service Adjustment

The reroute became necessary due to a closure on Cottage Grove Avenue in the Roseland and Washington Heights neighborhoods, according to the transit agency. CTA operates 129 bus routes serving Chicago and 40 surrounding suburbs, with temporary reroutes being routine operational adjustments for street work and infrastructure maintenance. The specific reason for the Cottage Grove Avenue closure wasn't detailed in the service alert. Transit agencies typically implement such reroutes to maintain service continuity during construction and special events.

Reroute Details and Affected Stops

Southbound buses now operate via their normal route to 95th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, then travel via 95th Street, Stony Island Avenue, 103rd Street, and back to Cottage Grove Avenue to resume the regular route. Northbound buses follow their normal route to 103rd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, then use 103rd Street, Stony Island Avenue, and 95th Street before returning to Cottage Grove Avenue. Affected stops have been temporarily relocated to Stony Island Avenue, though officials didn't specify how many stops are impacted. CTA hasn't released information about how many riders are affected by the reroute or typical daily ridership on Route 4.

Timeline Remains Unclear

The reroute took effect Nov. 27, 2024, when CTA published the service alert. Officials described the change as temporary but haven't provided a specific end date, which typically depends on completion of street work. The alert advises riders to allow extra travel time but doesn't specify expected delays.

Rider Information and Updates

Riders should allow additional travel time and check for updates before beginning their trips, transit officials said. Passengers can find current service information and reroute details through real-time transit apps. Moovit provides updates for CTA routes including Route 4 Cottage Grove with current routing information during temporary service changes.