Chicago Route 66 Reroutes for Viaduct Repairs

CTA Route 66 detours both directions for 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 due to Chicago Department of Transportation construction work on the structure. Riders should expect longer travel times during the construction period.

Construction Requires Street Detours

The reroute stems from CDOT's planned construction on the Chicago Avenue viaduct, a key structure along the route's normal path. Transit officials said the work requires buses to use alternate streets to maintain service while keeping riders and construction crews safe. The CTA didn't specify how long the viaduct repairs will take or when Route 66 will return to its regular path. Infrastructure maintenance projects like viaduct repairs typically involve structural assessments, concrete work, and safety upgrades that can span several weeks to months depending on the scope.

Eastbound and Westbound Paths Change

Eastbound Route 66 buses will travel via Chicago Avenue, then detour to Milwaukee Avenue, Grand Avenue, and Orleans Street before returning to their normal route on Chicago Avenue. Westbound buses will use Chicago Avenue, then shift to Wells Street and Grand Avenue before resuming the regular path on Milwaukee Avenue. The CTA classified the change as a planned reroute, meaning riders can expect consistent detour patterns during the construction period. Officials didn't provide details about whether any stops will be temporarily relocated or skipped during the detours.

Timeline Details Remain Unclear

Transit officials announced the reroute but didn't release a specific start date or estimated completion timeline for the viaduct construction. The CTA advised passengers to allow extra travel time while the detours are in effect. Agencies typically announce construction-related service changes several days to weeks before implementation, though the exact notice period for this reroute wasn't specified.

Riders Can Track Service Changes

Passengers affected by the Route 66 detours should plan for longer trips and consider alternative routes if available, transit officials said. The CTA didn't specify how much additional time riders should budget for their commutes. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders navigate temporary detours and plan trips during construction periods.