CTA Adjusts Route 73 for Bridge Work

CTA reroutes Bus 73 around Cortland Bridge during construction with no completion date

CTA Reroutes Bus 73 for Bridge Work

Chicago's #73 Armitage bus will detour around the Cortland Bridge while construction crews work on the span over the Chicago River, transit officials said. Both eastbound and westbound buses will follow alternate routes through the area, though officials haven't specified when the work will be completed. The CTA advised riders to allow extra travel time during the reroute.

Bridge Work Requires Service Adjustment

The Cortland Bridge reroute affects one of the CTA's crosstown routes that connects neighborhoods on Chicago's North Side. Bridge construction and maintenance projects typically require transit agencies to modify bus routes when roadways become inaccessible to regular traffic. Officials said the reroute is necessary to accommodate the construction work, though specific details about the scope of the bridge project weren't available. The service change is classified as a planned reroute rather than an emergency detour.

Buses Follow Alternate Streets

Eastbound #73 buses will operate via Cortland, Elston, North Avenue, Kingsbury, Clifton, and Clybourn before resuming the normal route on Racine, according to the transit agency. Westbound buses will travel via Racine, Clybourn, Sheffield, North Avenue, and Elston, then resume the regular route on Cortland. The detour routes use major arterial streets to maintain connectivity while avoiding the bridge construction zone. Officials didn't provide information about how much additional travel time riders should expect.

Timeline for Normal Service Unclear

The CTA hasn't announced when the Cortland Bridge work will be completed or when #73 buses will return to their regular route. Transit agencies typically coordinate service changes with city construction schedules, but project timelines can shift based on weather, contractor availability, and unforeseen complications. Officials said riders should plan for the reroute to remain in effect until further notice.

Riders Can Track Detour Routes

Passengers who regularly use the #73 Armitage should familiarize themselves with the temporary stops along the detour route, transit officials said. The reroute affects access to some regular stops near the Cortland Bridge, though the extent of stop changes wasn't detailed in available information. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders navigate temporary service changes.