CTA Reroutes Express Buses Around Downtown Work

CTA reroutes northbound #146 and #148 express buses via Wacker Drive for State/Lake work

CTA Reroutes #146, #148 Buses for Construction

Riders heading through downtown Chicago on two express bus routes will need to adjust their commutes starting Wednesday. The Chicago Transit Authority announced northbound #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express and #148 Clarendon/Michigan Express buses will detour around construction at State/Lake beginning August 20 at 9 a.m., transit officials said. Southbound service on both routes won't be affected.

Construction Prompts Downtown Detour

The reroute is necessary to accommodate ongoing construction work at the State/Lake intersection in the Loop, according to the transit agency. Express bus routes like the #146 and #148 typically carry commuters between North Side neighborhoods and downtown during peak hours, providing faster service than local routes by making limited stops. Officials didn't specify what type of construction is underway at State/Lake or how long the work is expected to last. The CTA said the end date for the reroute will be determined based on construction progress.

Buses Will Use Wacker Drive Detour

Affected northbound buses will travel via State Street, then turn onto Wacker Drive and East Wacker Place before rejoining their regular route on Michigan Avenue, transit officials said. The detour adds several blocks to the normal path through the Loop. Southbound #146 and #148 buses will continue operating on their regular routes without changes, according to the CTA. Officials advised passengers using the rerouted northbound service to allow extra travel time, though they didn't provide estimates of how much additional time the detour might add to trips.

Change Takes Effect Wednesday Morning

The reroute is scheduled to begin Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 9 a.m., the CTA confirmed. Officials said the temporary route change will remain in effect until construction at State/Lake is completed, but they haven't announced a target completion date. The agency typically posts service alerts on its system status page and at affected bus stops when route changes are implemented.

Riders Can Track Detour in Real Time

Commuters who regularly use the #146 or #148 express routes should plan for the detour when traveling through downtown during the construction period. The CTA said passengers can check for current alerts affecting bus and rail services, though officials didn't provide details about how frequently updates will be posted. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and route information for CTA services, helping riders navigate temporary detours and plan alternative routes during service changes.