CTA Adjusts Express Routes Around Downtown Work

CTA reroutes northbound #146 and #148 buses via Wacker Drive for State/Lake construction

CTA Reroutes #146 Bus for State/Lake Work

Northbound #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express buses will detour around downtown construction starting Wednesday, August 20, at 9 a.m., Chicago Transit Authority officials said. The #148 Clarendon/Michigan Express also faces the same reroute due to construction at State/Lake. Southbound service on both routes won't be affected, and riders should allow extra travel time during the detour.

Construction Prompts Service Adjustment

The temporary reroute accommodates ongoing construction work in the downtown area, transit officials said. Express bus routes like the #146 and #148 serve as critical links between Chicago's North Side neighborhoods and the Loop, carrying thousands of daily commuters. Officials didn't specify what construction project is underway at State/Lake or how long the work will take. The CTA typically adjusts bus routes around downtown construction to maintain service while allowing infrastructure improvements to proceed.

Buses Take Wacker Drive Detour

Northbound #146 and #148 buses will operate via State, Wacker Drive, and East Wacker Place before resuming their normal route on Michigan Avenue, according to the transit agency. The detour keeps buses moving through the Loop while avoiding the State/Lake construction zone. Southbound #146 and #148 buses will continue to operate on their regular routes without any changes, officials confirmed. The modified routing affects only northbound service during the construction period.

Reroute Begins Wednesday Morning

The service change takes effect Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 9 a.m., CTA officials said. The end date for the reroute hasn't been determined and will depend on construction progress at State/Lake. Transit officials said they'll announce when normal routing resumes once the construction work is complete. Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time when using these routes during the detour period.

Riders Can Track Detour in Real Time

The reroute affects commuters who rely on express service between North Side neighborhoods and downtown Chicago during the construction period. Officials said riders should plan for slightly longer travel times while buses navigate the detour route. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and route updates for CTA services, helping riders adjust their commutes during temporary service changes. The transit agency said it will continue operating normal service on all rail lines during the bus detour.