Chicago Route 94 Detours for Construction Work
CTA Route 94 northbound buses detour via Humboldt Boulevard for 8 weeks starting March 21
CTA Route 94 Detours for Construction Work
Chicago's #94 California bus route will detour around construction work for nearly two months this spring, transit officials said. Northbound buses will reroute via California, North Avenue, Humboldt, and Armitage before returning to their regular path on California Avenue. The detour runs from Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 5:00 AM through Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 8:00 AM. Southbound service won't be affected by the changes.
Construction Prompts Service Adjustment
The reroute is necessary due to construction work on California Avenue between North Avenue and Armitage, according to the Chicago Transit Authority. Officials said the work requires closing portions of the street to through traffic, making the regular bus route temporarily impassable. The agency didn't specify what type of construction is taking place or which contractor is performing the work. Transit agencies typically coordinate with city departments on street projects that affect bus routes, adjusting service to maintain connectivity while work proceeds.
Detour Affects Northbound Riders Only
Northbound #94 buses will follow California Avenue to North Avenue, then turn east on North before heading north on Humboldt Boulevard. Buses will then turn west on Armitage Avenue before returning to California Avenue to resume the regular route. The detour adds approximately six blocks to the northbound journey. Officials didn't provide estimates for how much additional travel time riders should expect, though the CTA advised passengers to allow extra time during the eight-week period. Southbound buses will continue operating on their normal route without changes.
Eight-Week Detour Period Scheduled
The service change takes effect at 5:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, and continues through 8:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The timing suggests the construction work will span approximately eight weeks. Officials didn't say whether the May 16 end date could change if construction runs longer than expected or if weather delays the project. The CTA typically announces extensions to planned detours if work isn't completed on schedule.
Riders Advised to Plan Ahead
Passengers who use the northbound #94 California route should allow extra travel time during the detour period, officials said. The reroute affects riders traveling between North Avenue and Armitage on California Avenue, who'll need to board at temporary stop locations along the detour path. Officials didn't specify where temporary stops will be placed along North Avenue, Humboldt Boulevard, or Armitage Avenue. Riders can check Moovit for real-time bus locations and updated arrival times during the construction period.
