Chicago Route 73 Adjusts for Bridge Repairs

CTA Route 73 detours around Cortland Bridge for two-year construction project

CTA Route 73 Reroutes for Bridge Work

Chicago's Route 73 Armitage bus will detour around the Cortland Bridge over the Chicago River for more than two years while construction crews work on the span. The Chicago Transit Authority said the reroute takes effect Monday, September 22, 2025, at 9:00 AM and continues through Thursday, September 30, 2027. Riders should expect longer travel times during the extended construction period.

Extended Construction Timeline

The two-year-plus timeline reflects the complexity of bridge rehabilitation work over active waterways, transit officials said. Bridge construction projects typically require extended closures to allow contractors to safely complete structural repairs, deck replacement, or other major improvements. The CTA didn't specify what type of construction work the Cortland Bridge requires. Transit agencies typically coordinate long-term detours with city infrastructure departments to minimize disruption while ensuring critical repairs are completed.

Detour Routes for Both Directions

Eastbound Route 73 buses will travel via Cortland, Elston, North Avenue, Kingsbury, Clifton, and Clybourn before resuming the normal route on Racine, according to the transit agency. Westbound buses will operate via Racine, Clybourn, Sheffield, North Avenue, and Elston, then resume the normal route on Cortland. The detours route buses around the closed bridge while maintaining service to nearby neighborhoods. Officials didn't say whether the reroute will affect the number of stops available to riders or change service frequency on the route.

Service Begins Late September

The reroute begins at 9:00 AM on Monday, September 22, 2025, transit officials confirmed. The detour will remain in place until Thursday, September 30, 2027, when buses are scheduled to return to the regular route across the Cortland Bridge. The CTA advised passengers to allow extra travel time throughout the construction period.

Planning Around the Detour

Riders who regularly use Route 73 near the Cortland Bridge should plan for longer trips and potentially different stop locations during the two-year construction window. The extended detour affects connections to other North Side bus routes and the Brown Line. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders adjust to temporary service changes.