Chicago Route 47 Detours for Street Work

Route 47 buses detour via Damen, 51st, and Ashland from Feb 24 to April 20

Headline

CTA Route 47 Detours East for 8 Weeks on South Side

Paragraph 1

Chicago's Route 47 bus will detour around a street blockage near 47th and Paulina for nearly two months starting Tuesday, the Chicago Transit Authority said. Eastbound buses will reroute via 47th, Damen, 51st, and Ashland before returning to their regular path, while westbound service continues normally. The detour takes effect February 24 at 5 a.m. and runs through April 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Image 1

Paragraph 2

The eight-week reroute addresses a street blockage in the 47th and Paulina area, though officials didn't specify what's causing the obstruction or whether it's related to construction, infrastructure work, or another issue. Route 47 runs east-west across Chicago's South Side, connecting neighborhoods from the lakefront through Back of the Yards. Transit agencies typically implement detours of this length for major street projects or utility work that can't be completed quickly. The CTA said passengers should allow extra travel time during the detour period.

Paragraph 3

Eastbound buses will travel their normal route on 47th Street until reaching the blockage area, then detour south on Damen to 51st Street, the agency said. From there, buses head east on 51st to Ashland, then north on Ashland back to 47th to resume the regular route. Westbound buses aren't affected and will operate on their standard path. Officials didn't say how much additional travel time the detour will add for eastbound riders or how many daily trips the route operates.

Image 2

Paragraph 4

The reroute begins at 5 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and continues through 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, the CTA confirmed. The agency typically posts detour notices at affected stops and on buses several days before changes take effect. Officials didn't say whether the April 20 end date could change if work finishes early or takes longer than expected.

Paragraph 5

Riders who board or exit between Damen and Ashland on eastbound trips will need to adjust their plans during the detour, though the agency didn't specify which stops will be temporarily closed or relocated. The CTA said passengers can check for current alerts on multiple bus routes across the system. Moovit provides real-time Route 47 updates and alternative route options for affected trips.