Chicago Route 157 Adjusts for Canal Street Work

CTA Route 157 detours via Taylor and Jefferson streets due to Canal Street construction

CTA Route 157 Reroutes North of Loop Dec 15

Chicago's bus route 157 Streeterville/Taylor will detour around downtown construction starting Monday, December 15, transit officials said. Northbound buses will use Taylor and Jefferson streets instead of their usual path before returning to Washington Street. The change affects only northbound service, with southbound buses continuing normal routes. Officials advised riders to allow extra travel time during the reroute.

Construction Project Drives Service Change

The reroute stems from the Chicago Department of Transportation's Canal Street Reconstruction Project, according to the transit agency. CDOT's infrastructure work requires temporary street closures that make the route's normal path unavailable for northbound buses. Officials haven't said how long the reconstruction project will last or when route 157 will return to its regular routing. The CTA designated multiple temporary boarding locations along Jefferson Street for affected passengers.

Detour Follows Taylor and Jefferson Streets

Northbound route 157 buses will leave their normal path and travel via Taylor Street to Jefferson Street before rejoining the regular route on Washington Street, transit officials said. The agency set up alternative boarding points along Jefferson Street to serve riders during the detour. Southbound service won't change and will continue operating on the route's standard path. Officials didn't specify which stops along the normal northbound route will be temporarily unavailable or how much additional travel time riders should expect.

Reroute Begins Monday With No End Date

The service change takes effect Monday, December 15, 2025, according to the CTA. Officials haven't announced when the reroute will end or provided an estimated timeline for completion of the Canal Street reconstruction work. The agency said the duration depends on CDOT's construction schedule. Transit officials typically announce service restorations several days before routes return to normal operations.

Riders Should Plan for Longer Trips

Passengers using northbound route 157 should allow extra time for their trips starting December 15, officials said. Riders can find temporary boarding locations along Jefferson Street, though the CTA didn't specify exact addresses for the alternative stops. The agency said it'll post detour information at affected stops. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated route information for CTA services throughout Chicago, helping riders track buses during service changes.