CTA Adjusts Route 36 for Utility Work
CTA Route 36 northbound buses detour via Irving Park for utility work March 23-25
CTA Route 36 Reroutes for Utility Work
Chicago's Route 36 Broadway bus will detour around utility maintenance work for three days starting March 23, 2026, the Chicago Transit Authority announced. Northbound buses will operate via Broadway, Irving Park, Clarendon, and Montrose before resuming their normal route on Broadway, while southbound buses won't be affected. The reroute runs from 8:00 AM Monday, March 23 through 5:00 PM Wednesday, March 25.
Maintenance Work Prompts Service Change
The temporary detour is necessary due to utility maintenance work being conducted on Sheridan at Broadway, transit officials said. The CTA routinely adjusts bus routes to accommodate infrastructure maintenance and construction projects that affect street access. Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time during the three-day period. The agency typically provides advance notice of planned service changes to help riders adjust their commutes and avoid unexpected delays.
Route Details and Affected Stops
Northbound Route 36 buses will travel via Broadway to Irving Park, then use Clarendon and Montrose before returning to their regular Broadway route. Southbound buses will continue to operate normally without any changes to their regular route, officials confirmed. The detour affects only the northbound direction during the 57-hour maintenance window. Riders boarding at stops along the detoured section should look for buses on the temporary route or use nearby stops that remain in service.
Three-Day Implementation Window
The reroute takes effect at 8:00 AM on Monday, March 23, 2026 and continues through 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The CTA scheduled the work during a midweek period to minimize weekend travel disruptions. Service will return to normal routing once the utility maintenance work is completed Wednesday evening. Officials said the timing allows contractors to complete necessary infrastructure work while maintaining transit access to the neighborhood.
Rider Information and System Updates
Route 36 riders should plan for possible delays and consider alternative routes during the three-day detour period. The CTA currently has multiple active alerts affecting other bus routes and several elevator outages at rail stations across the system. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA routes, helping riders track bus locations and adjust their trips during service changes. Passengers are encouraged to check for updates before traveling, as conditions can change throughout the maintenance period.
