CTA Reroutes Express Buses Around Loop Construction

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

CTA Reroutes #146, #148 Buses for State/Lake Work

Riders of two Chicago 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. Officials haven't said when the reroute will end.

Construction Forces Downtown Detour

The reroute stems from construction work at the State/Lake intersection in Chicago's Loop, according to the transit agency. Northbound buses on both routes will use State Street, then turn onto Wacker Drive and East Wacker Place before rejoining their regular path on Michigan Avenue. The detour affects only northbound service—southbound #146 and #148 buses will operate on their normal routes without changes. Officials said riders should allow extra travel time while the detour's in effect.

Limited Service Impact on Two Routes

The temporary reroute affects two of CTA's express bus services that connect Chicago's lakefront neighborhoods with downtown. Both the #146 and #148 routes typically serve commuters traveling between the North Side and the Loop during peak hours. Officials didn't specify how much additional travel time riders should expect or how many daily trips the reroute will affect. The construction project's scope and expected duration weren't detailed in the agency's announcement.

Reroute Begins Wednesday Morning

The service modification takes effect Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 9 a.m., transit officials confirmed. The agency hasn't announced an end date for the reroute, saying the duration will depend on construction progress at State/Lake. CTA typically posts updates about service changes on its alert system as projects near completion.

Riders Can Track Detour in Real Time

Passengers using the affected routes should plan for longer travel times and consider alternative routes if possible, officials said. The reroute adds several turns to the northbound journey through downtown before buses return to Michigan Avenue. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated arrival times for CTA routes, including detour information for the #146 and #148 services during the construction period.