Chicago Route 66 Adjusts for Viaduct Work

CTA Route 66 detours around Chicago Avenue viaduct construction starting September 29

CTA Route 66 Detours for Viaduct Work

Chicago's Route 66 bus will detour around construction starting Monday, September 29, at 9 AM, transit officials said. The Chicago Transit Authority announced the temporary reroute affects eastbound and westbound service due to Chicago Department of Transportation work on the Chicago Avenue viaduct. Officials haven't said when the detour will end, listing the completion date as to be determined.

Construction Forces Route Changes

The viaduct work requires buses to use alternate streets to maintain service continuity, according to the transit agency. CDOT's construction project on the Chicago Avenue viaduct makes the structure temporarily inaccessible to bus traffic. Officials said the detour routes were designed to minimize disruption while keeping riders connected to key destinations along the corridor. Specific details about the scope or duration of the viaduct construction project weren't available by publication time.

Detour Routes Announced

Eastbound Route 66 buses will operate via Chicago, Milwaukee, Grand, and Orleans before resuming their normal route on Chicago Avenue, the CTA said. Westbound buses will travel via Chicago, Wells, and Grand before returning to their regular route on Milwaukee Avenue. The detours add several blocks to the route in each direction. Officials advised passengers to allow extra travel time during the construction period, though they didn't specify how much additional time riders should expect for trips.

Timeline Remains Unclear

The reroute takes effect at 9 AM on Monday, September 29, 2025, but officials haven't announced when normal service will resume. The CTA listed the end date as to be determined, indicating the timeline depends on CDOT's construction progress. Transit agencies typically provide advance notice before restoring normal routes, but officials didn't say whether they'll announce the completion date before or after work finishes.

Riders Urged to Plan Ahead

Route 66 passengers should expect longer travel times and different stop locations during the detour period. The CTA said riders can check for updates on service changes, though officials didn't specify how frequently they'll provide construction progress updates. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and detour information for Chicago transit routes, helping riders navigate temporary service changes.