CTA Reroutes Buses to Keep Chicago Moving

CTA reroutes Routes 7 and 37 starting January 16 for Canal Street reconstruction work

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CTA Reroutes Bus Routes 7, 37 for Canal Work

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Chicago's CTA rerouted two downtown bus routes Tuesday to accommodate street reconstruction work, transit officials said. Routes 7 Harrison and 37 Sedgwick began operating on modified paths January 16 at 9 a.m., with eastbound and northbound trips affected by the changes. The reroutes stem from the Chicago Department of Transportation's Canal Street Reconstruction Project, though officials haven't said when the temporary detours will end.

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The Canal Street project requires buses to avoid portions of their regular routes through Chicago's West Loop area. Transit agencies typically reroute buses during major street reconstruction to maintain service while allowing construction crews access to work zones. The CTA said the changes affect only specific directions of travel, allowing the agency to maintain service frequency on both routes. Officials didn't provide details about the scope or timeline of the underlying street reconstruction work.

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Eastbound Route 7 Harrison buses now travel via Harrison, Jefferson and Jackson streets to Canal, then resume normal routing on Jackson. Northbound Route 37 Sedgwick buses operate via Van Buren, Clinton, Harrison, Jefferson and Jackson to Canal before continuing regular service on Jackson. Westbound Route 7 and southbound Route 37 trips aren't affected. The CTA designated temporary boarding locations at Jefferson and Harrison, Jefferson and Van Buren, and Jackson and Clinton for riders using the detoured segments.

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The service changes took effect Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 9 a.m., according to the transit agency. Officials listed the end date as to be determined, with no timeline provided for when buses will return to regular routing. The CTA advised passengers to allow extra travel time while the reroutes remain in effect. New schedules are in effect systemwide for all CTA bus routes.

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Riders on affected routes should check for updates on temporary stop locations and any schedule adjustments during the construction period. The CTA said it'll provide information as the project progresses, though officials didn't specify how riders will be notified of changes. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and route information for CTA services throughout Chicago.