CTA Reroutes #49 Western Buses Near 57th Street
CTA reroutes #49 Western buses via 59th, Damen, and 55th due to street blockage at 57th
CTA Reroutes #49 Western Buses Near 57th Street
Chicago's #49 Western bus route is running on a detour near 57th Street due to a street blockage, transit officials said. The reroute began Friday, April 17, at 12:26 a.m., affecting buses traveling in both directions near Western Avenue and 57th Street. The Chicago Transit Authority classified the service change as causing minor delays, though officials haven't said when normal service will resume.

Detour Route Details
Buses are being detoured via Western Avenue, 59th Street, Damen Avenue, and 55th Street before resuming their normal route on Western Avenue, according to the transit agency. The modification affects service near the intersection of Western Avenue and 57th Street, where a street blockage is preventing buses from using their regular path. Officials said passengers should allow extra travel time when using this route. The #49 Western typically runs along Western Avenue, one of Chicago's longest north-south corridors, serving neighborhoods from Howard Street on the north to 79th Street on the south.
Timeline and Service Impact
The reroute took effect early Friday morning, with the end date currently listed as to be determined, transit officials said. The CTA hasn't provided details about the nature of the street blockage or how long repairs or clearance work might take. Officials said the service change is part of their ongoing effort to keep riders informed about disruptions. The agency typically issues customer alerts when street conditions or construction require route modifications, though specific timelines for resolution often depend on factors outside transit control, including city street maintenance schedules and utility work.
Implementation Details
The detour affects all #49 Western buses traveling through the area, with both northbound and southbound service following the modified route. Transit officials said the reroute will remain in place until the street blockage near Western and 57th is cleared. The agency hasn't specified which stops along the regular route are temporarily unavailable or whether temporary stop locations have been established along the detour path. Officials advised riders to check for updates before traveling, as conditions can change.

Rider Information
Passengers using the #49 Western should expect minor delays and plan additional travel time, transit officials said. The CTA provides real-time updates through multiple channels, though officials didn't specify how riders will be notified when normal service resumes. Riders can check Moovit for current route information and real-time bus locations on the #49 Western and other CTA routes.











