Chicago Route 50 Detour — Riders Adapt as CTA Responds

Route 50 Damen bus detours via Madison, Western, and Fulton due to street blockage

Route 50 Damen Bus Rerouted Near Washington

Chicago's Route 50 Damen bus is running on a detour near the Damen and Washington intersection due to a street blockage, transit officials said Friday. The reroute affects service in both directions, with buses traveling along Damen, Madison, Western, Fulton, and back to Damen Avenue. Officials haven't said what's causing the blockage or how long the detour will remain in place.

Detour Creates Extended Travel Times

The temporary reroute bypasses several stops along the affected stretch of Damen Avenue near Washington Street. Transit officials classified the disruption as high-severity, indicating significant impact on regular service patterns. The detour adds extra distance to the route, though officials didn't provide estimates of how much additional travel time riders should expect. Chicago's transit system typically implements such reroutes when street conditions prevent buses from using their normal paths, whether due to construction, special events, or infrastructure issues.

Multiple Intersections Affected by Detour

The reroute takes buses off Damen Avenue at the Washington area, sending them east on Madison Street to Western Avenue, then north on Western to Fulton Street, and west on Fulton back to Damen. Officials didn't specify which bus stops along the regular route are temporarily closed or whether temporary stops have been established along the detour path. The Chicago Transit Authority announced the service change February 14, though details about what's blocking the street weren't available. Route 50 typically runs north-south along Damen Avenue, serving neighborhoods from Rogers Park to the South Side.

Duration of Service Change Unclear

Transit officials haven't announced when Route 50 will return to its regular path along Damen near Washington. The agency said the reroute will remain in effect until the street blockage is cleared, but didn't provide a timeline for resolution. CTA typically updates service alerts as conditions change and provides advance notice when routes return to normal operations.

Riders Should Plan for Delays and Check Updates

Passengers using Route 50 should allow extra travel time and be prepared for modified stop locations during the detour. Officials said riders affected by the temporary stop closures may need to walk to alternate stops along the detour route. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA routes, helping riders track bus locations and adjust their trips during service disruptions. The transit agency continues to monitor the situation and will restore normal service once the street blockage is resolved.