Chicago Route 94 Adjusts for California Ave Work

CTA Route 94 detours around California Avenue construction from March 21 to May 2

CTA Reroutes Route 94 for California Ave Work

Chicago's Route 94 California bus will detour around construction on California Avenue for six weeks starting March 21, the Chicago Transit Authority said. Northbound buses will use California, North Avenue, Humboldt, and Armitage before returning to their regular route, while southbound service won't be affected. The reroute runs through May 2 to accommodate construction between North Avenue and Armitage.

Construction Prompts Service Adjustment

The planned reroute accommodates construction work on California Avenue, transit officials said. The CTA typically implements temporary detours when street work blocks regular bus routes, allowing construction to proceed while maintaining service to nearby stops. Officials advised riders to allow extra travel time during the six-week period. The agency didn't specify what type of construction is taking place or which contractor is performing the work.

Detour Details and Affected Stops

The reroute takes effect Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 5:00 AM and continues until Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8:00 AM, according to the transit agency. Northbound Route 94 buses will travel via California, turn at North Avenue, continue on Humboldt, then use Armitage to return to California Avenue. Southbound buses will maintain their normal route throughout the construction period. Officials didn't say how many stops will be temporarily relocated or how much additional travel time riders should expect.

Six-Week Timeline for Street Work

The construction work will span approximately six weeks from late March through early May, transit officials confirmed. The CTA classified this as a planned reroute, indicating the agency coordinated with construction crews in advance. Officials didn't provide details about whether the work is part of a larger infrastructure project or if additional route changes might be needed after May 2.

Riders Can Track Real-Time Changes

Passengers should plan for possible delays and check for updates before traveling, the CTA said. The agency's Bus Tracker service provides real-time vehicle locations for Route 94 and other routes affected by construction. Riders can also use Moovit for real-time updates and trip planning to navigate the temporary detour and find alternative routes if needed.