Chicago CTA Routes 88, 90 Resume Normal Service

CTA routes 88 and 90 return to normal paths March 23 after Harlem station bridge work

CTA Routes 88, 90 Resume Normal Service March 23

Chicago's CTA will restore normal routing for bus routes #88 Higgins and #90 Harlem starting Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:00 AM, transit officials said. The changes follow completion of construction on the Harlem Blue Line station's bus bridge over the Kennedy Expressway. Riders on both routes will see new boarding locations at the Harlem station as buses return to their regular paths.

Construction Completion Enables Service Restoration

The routing changes became necessary when construction work began on the Harlem Blue Line station's bus bridge, forcing temporary detours for routes #88 and #90. Transit officials said the infrastructure project aimed to improve the station's bus transfer facilities and ensure long-term structural integrity. The CTA operates eight rail lines and more than 100 bus routes throughout Chicago, with the Harlem Blue Line station serving as a key transfer point between bus and rail service. Officials said the completed bus bridge will provide better connectivity for riders transferring between routes.

New Boarding Locations at Harlem Station

Westbound #88 buses heading to Devon/Canfield will board at the north bus bay on the Harlem Blue Line station's bus bridge instead of the northeast corner of Harlem/Bryn Mawr. Eastbound #88 buses traveling to Jefferson Park Blue Line station will board at the southbound bus stop outside the station's east entrance. Route #90 buses will begin and end trips at the center bus bay on the bus bridge rather than rerouting via Talcott and Sayre. Officials said the new boarding locations are designed to streamline transfers and reduce travel times for riders connecting between bus routes and the Blue Line.

Changes Take Effect Monday Morning

The service restoration takes effect Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:00 AM, when buses will begin using the new boarding locations. Transit officials said riders should allow extra time for their Monday morning commutes as they adjust to the updated boarding areas. The CTA didn't specify whether additional signage or staff will be deployed to help riders navigate the changes during the transition period.

What Riders Need to Know

Riders on routes #88 and #90 should familiarize themselves with the new boarding locations before Monday morning to avoid confusion during their commutes. Transit officials said the changes will improve overall service efficiency and reduce delays caused by the temporary routing. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and updated boarding locations for CTA routes throughout Chicago.