CTA Reroutes #49 Western to Maintain Service
CTA #49 Western buses detour via 59th, Damen, and 55th due to street blockage at 57th
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CTA Reroutes #49 Western Buses Due to Blockage
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Chicago's #49 Western bus route is running on a detour in both directions due to a street blockage near Western Avenue and 57th Street, transit officials said. The reroute began Friday, April 17, at 12:26 a.m., with buses traveling via Western Avenue, 59th Street, Damen Avenue, and 55th Street before returning to Western Avenue. The Chicago Transit Authority classified the service change as causing minor delays, and riders should allow extra travel time.
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The detour affects service near the intersection of Western and 57th, where a street blockage is preventing buses from using their normal route. Transit officials said the modification is part of ongoing efforts to maintain service while addressing infrastructure issues. The CTA issues customer alerts to keep riders informed about service changes and disruptions across its bus and rail network. Officials haven't specified what's causing the blockage or provided details about repair work.
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Buses traveling in both directions are following the same detour path, leaving Western Avenue at 59th Street, continuing east to Damen Avenue, then south to 55th Street before returning west to Western Avenue. The reroute adds several blocks to the route's normal path through the area. Officials said the detour will remain in place until the street blockage is cleared, but they haven't announced when that'll happen. The end date for the service modification is listed as to be determined.
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The reroute took effect early Friday morning, with no advance notice period mentioned in the alert. Officials didn't say whether the blockage was planned or resulted from an emergency situation. The CTA typically provides updates through multiple channels when service changes occur, though specific timelines for when additional information will be released weren't provided. Transit agencies generally restore normal service as soon as infrastructure issues are resolved.
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Riders using the #49 Western route near 57th Street should expect minor delays and plan for extra travel time during the detour. Officials said passengers can check for real-time updates about the reroute and other service changes. Moovit provides current bus locations and arrival times for CTA routes, helping riders adjust their trips during service modifications.
