Chicago CTA Routes Resume Normal Service After Work

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

CTA Routes 88, 90 Resume Normal Service March 23

Chicago's CTA will restore normal routing for buses #88 Higgins and #90 Harlem starting March 23 at 6:00 AM, transit officials announced. The changes follow completion of construction on the Harlem Blue Line station's bus bridge over the Kennedy Expressway. Both routes had been operating on temporary detours during the bridge work.

Construction Completion Enables Route Restoration

The routing restoration comes after months of construction work on the Harlem Blue Line station's bus bridge infrastructure. Transit officials said the project required temporary reroutes to maintain service while crews completed the bridge work. The completion allows buses to resume using the station's bus bays as designed. CTA typically reroutes buses during major station infrastructure projects to ensure rider safety and maintain construction access.

New Boarding Locations at Harlem Station

Westbound #88 buses to Devon/Canfield will board at the north bus bay on the Harlem Blue Line station's bus bridge instead of the temporary stop at Harlem/Bryn Mawr. Eastbound #88 buses to Jefferson Park Blue Line station will use 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, eliminating the temporary routing via Talcott and Sayre. The new boarding locations provide direct access to the Blue Line station.

Service Changes Take Effect Monday Morning

The normal routing takes effect Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:00 AM for both routes. Transit officials said riders should allow extra time during the first few days as they adjust to the restored boarding locations. The agency didn't specify whether additional signage or staff will be deployed to assist riders with the transition.

Riders Can Track Route Changes

The routing restoration affects riders who use the Harlem Blue Line station to connect between bus and rail service. Passengers should note the new boarding locations to avoid missing their buses. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for CTA routes #88 and #90, including boarding location information at the Harlem Blue Line station.