CTA Reroutes 8 Bus Lines for State Street Work
Eight CTA bus routes detour around State Street closure between Wacker and Randolph
CTA Reroutes 8 Bus Routes for State Street Work
Eight Chicago Transit Authority bus routes will detour around downtown construction starting April 13, affecting thousands of daily commuters. Southbound State Street will close between Wacker and Randolph through May 25, 2026, transit officials said. Northbound service won't be affected by the closure.
Construction Closure Impacts Downtown Corridor
The six-week closure accommodates construction work in Chicago's central business district, according to the transit agency. State Street serves as a major north-south corridor through the Loop, carrying significant bus traffic during weekday rush hours. Officials said the work requires complete closure of the southbound lanes in the affected block. Transit agencies typically schedule downtown construction during spring months to complete projects before summer tourism peaks.
Alternate Boarding Locations Designated
Most affected southbound buses will board at the southwest corner of State and Washington during the closure period. The #148 Clarendon/Michigan Express has a different pickup point at Michigan and South Water, officials said. Passengers traveling southbound on the eight affected routes will need to walk to these alternate locations. The agency didn't specify which other seven routes besides #2 are impacted or provide detailed maps of the reroute paths.
Six-Week Detour Runs Through Late May
The reroute takes effect April 13, 2026, and continues through May 25, 2026, transit officials confirmed. The agency typically posts detour signs at affected stops several days before service changes begin. Officials didn't say whether the May 25 end date could be extended if construction runs behind schedule.
Riders Advised to Plan Extra Commute Time
Passengers should allow additional travel time and plan trips accordingly during the six-week closure, the CTA said. Commuters unfamiliar with the alternate boarding locations may need extra time to locate their buses. Moovit provides real-time CTA bus tracking and alternate route suggestions for affected downtown trips.
