Chicago Route 66 Reroutes for Viaduct Repairs
CTA Route 66 detours eastbound and westbound due to Chicago Avenue viaduct repairs
CTA Route 66 Reroutes for Viaduct Work
Chicago's Route 66 bus will take detours in both directions while crews repair the Chicago Avenue viaduct, transit officials said. The Chicago Transit Authority announced the temporary reroute affects eastbound and westbound service due to Chicago Department of Transportation construction work. Riders should expect longer travel times during the construction period.
Construction Prompts Service Changes
The reroute stems from CDOT infrastructure work on the Chicago Avenue viaduct, a key crossing in the city's transit network. Route 66 typically runs along Chicago Avenue through this area, connecting neighborhoods on the city's North Side. Transit officials said the construction requires buses to use alternate streets to maintain service while work proceeds. The agency didn't specify how long the viaduct repairs will take or when normal routing will resume.
Detour Routes Vary by Direction
Eastbound Route 66 buses will travel via Chicago Avenue, then Milwaukee Avenue, Grand Avenue, and Orleans Street before returning to the regular route on Chicago Avenue. Westbound buses will operate via Chicago Avenue, Wells Street, and Grand Avenue before resuming normal service on Milwaukee Avenue. The detours bypass the construction zone while keeping buses on major arterial streets. Officials said all regular stops outside the construction area will continue to be served, though they didn't specify which stops near the viaduct might be temporarily closed.
Timeline Remains Unclear
Transit officials announced the reroute but didn't provide a specific start date or expected duration for the service change. The agency classified it as a planned reroute, suggesting advance coordination with CDOT's construction schedule. CTA typically announces such changes several days before implementation, though the exact timeline for this project wasn't available.
Riders Advised to Plan Extra Time
Passengers should allow additional travel time while the detours are in effect, transit officials said. The longer routes and potential traffic on alternate streets could add several minutes to typical trip times. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders plan trips during construction-related changes.
