CTA Adjusts Routes 7 and 37 for Canal Work

CTA reroutes buses 7 and 37 on Near West Side due to Canal Street reconstruction

CTA Reroutes Bus Routes 7 and 37 for Canal Work

Chicago Transit Authority riders on the Near West Side face detours on two key bus routes due to ongoing street reconstruction. The CTA rerouted eastbound Route 7 Harrison and northbound Route 37 Sedgwick buses starting Tuesday, January 16, at 9 a.m., transit officials said. The changes affect buses traveling through the Canal Street corridor, where the Chicago Department of Transportation's reconstruction project requires temporary route modifications.

Street Project Drives Service Changes

CDOT's Canal Street Reconstruction Project prompted the CTA to adjust routing for buses that normally use the corridor, according to the transit agency. The infrastructure work requires buses to take alternate paths through downtown Chicago to maintain service while construction crews work on Canal Street. Officials haven't announced when the reconstruction project will be completed or when buses will return to their regular routes. Transit agencies typically coordinate with city departments on street projects that affect bus operations, adjusting routes to minimize rider impact while allowing infrastructure improvements to proceed.

Route Details and Affected Directions

Eastbound Route 7 Harrison buses now travel via Harrison, Jefferson, and Jackson to Canal before resuming their normal route on Jackson. Northbound Route 37 Sedgwick buses operate via Van Buren, Clinton, Harrison, Jefferson, and Jackson to Canal, then continue their regular route on Jackson. Westbound Route 7 and southbound Route 37 buses aren't affected by the changes. The CTA designated specific boarding locations for affected routes, including stops at Jefferson and Harrison, Jefferson and Van Buren, and Jackson and Clinton. Officials said riders should look for temporary stop signs at these locations during the detour period.

Duration Remains Unclear

The reroute's end date is listed as to be determined, with no specific timeline provided for when buses will return to their regular routes. The duration depends on CDOT's construction schedule for the Canal Street project, though officials haven't released completion estimates. Transit officials said they'll announce route restorations once street work is finished and buses can safely return to Canal Street.

Rider Guidance and Travel Planning

Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time during the detour period, as alternate routes may add minutes to trips through the affected area. The CTA said riders should check for updates on route restorations as construction progresses. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated routing information for CTA Routes 7 and 37, helping riders plan trips during the temporary service changes.