CTA Reroutes Bus for Bridge Maintenance Work

CTA #125 bus reroutes through downtown for two-year Lake Street bridge project

CTA Reroutes #125 Bus for Bridge Work

Chicago's #125 Water Tower Express will take a detour through downtown starting Monday as crews work on a Chicago River bridge. The Chicago Transit Authority said northbound buses will use Jefferson, Washington, and Franklin streets before returning to their regular route on Orleans. Southbound service won't be affected by the change, which officials said will last more than two years.

Extended Maintenance Project

The reroute takes effect Monday, October 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM and continues through Friday, November 26, 2027, according to the transit agency. The service change is necessary for maintenance work on the Lake Street bridge over the Chicago River. Officials said the extended timeline reflects the scope of infrastructure work needed on the bridge structure. Transit agencies typically schedule major bridge maintenance during periods when alternative routes can accommodate affected service.

Route Details and Rider Impact

Northbound #125 buses will detour via Jefferson, Washington, and Franklin streets before resuming normal service on Orleans, the CTA said. The modified route adds several blocks to the northbound trip through the Loop. Officials advised passengers to allow extra travel time during the construction period. Southbound buses will continue operating on their regular route without changes, maintaining normal service for riders heading south.

Implementation Timeline

The reroute begins at 9:00 AM on Monday, October 6, and will remain in place until late November 2027, officials confirmed. The CTA didn't specify whether the bridge work might be completed ahead of schedule or if the timeline could extend beyond the current projection. Transit officials said they'll monitor the project's progress and adjust service as needed throughout the two-year maintenance period.

Service Updates for Riders

Riders should plan for longer travel times on northbound #125 trips during the bridge maintenance period. The CTA said most rail lines are operating with normal service, though some planned work is affecting Brown Line stations. Officials said additional service is running on the Purple and Yellow lines. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA routes, helping riders track buses and plan trips around the temporary detour.