Chicago Route 94 Detours for Infrastructure Work

CTA Route 94 bus detours around California Avenue construction from March 2 to May 11

CTA Reroutes Route 94 Bus for Construction Work

Chicago's Route 94 California bus will detour around construction on California Avenue between Archer and Pershing starting March 2, the Chicago Transit Authority said. Northbound buses will travel via California, Archer, and Pershing before returning to their regular route, while southbound service continues normally. The reroute affects riders traveling through the construction zone, though officials said southbound passengers won't see any changes.

Construction Prompts Two-Month Service Change

The detour accommodates construction work on California Avenue that requires temporary street closures, according to the transit agency. Officials said the work necessitates rerouting northbound buses to maintain service while crews complete the project. The CTA regularly adjusts bus routes to work around infrastructure projects, street repairs, and utility work throughout the city. Transit agencies typically coordinate with construction contractors to minimize service disruptions while allowing necessary maintenance and improvements to proceed.

Two Bus Stops Relocate During Detour Period

Two northbound stops will move to different corners during the reroute, the CTA confirmed. The California/Archer stop shifts from the northeast corner to the southeast corner, while the California/Pershing stop moves from the southeast corner to the northeast corner. Officials advised passengers to allow extra travel time during the detour period to account for the modified route and relocated stops. The agency said the stop relocations ensure buses can safely navigate the detour while maintaining access for riders.

Detour Runs Through Mid-May

The reroute takes effect Monday, March 2, 2026, at 4:00 AM and continues through Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM, officials said. The 10-week detour period aligns with the construction timeline for work on California Avenue. Transit officials said the schedule allows contractors to complete necessary work while returning service to normal routing by mid-May. The agency didn't specify what type of construction is being performed or whether the project could finish earlier than scheduled.

Riders Can Track Service Changes

Passengers should expect modified travel times on northbound Route 94 trips during the construction period, the CTA said. Officials advised riders to plan ahead and consider alternative routes if available. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and service alerts for CTA routes, helping riders navigate detours and find the fastest routes during service changes. The Route 94 typically serves neighborhoods along California Avenue, connecting riders to multiple rail lines and bus routes throughout Chicago's transit network.