CTA Reroutes Express Buses Around Loop Construction
CTA reroutes northbound #146 and #148 buses via Wacker Drive due to State/Lake construction
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. Transit officials said the work requires temporarily closing the intersection to northbound bus traffic. The affected routes serve commuters traveling from the North Side into downtown during morning and midday hours. Officials didn't provide details about the specific construction project or its scope.
Buses Will Use Wacker Drive Detour
Northbound #146 and #148 buses will travel via State Street, then turn onto Wacker Drive and East Wacker Place before rejoining their regular route on Michigan Avenue, according to the transit agency. Southbound service on both routes will continue operating normally without changes. Officials said riders should allow extra travel time while the detour is in effect. The agency didn't specify how much additional time passengers should expect for their trips.
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 depends on construction progress. Officials said they'll notify riders when normal routing resumes but didn't provide a timeline for when that announcement might come.
Riders Can Track Detoured Buses
The reroute affects two of several CTA bus routes currently operating with service alerts, officials said. Passengers can expect normal service on southbound #146 and #148 buses throughout the construction period. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders navigate temporary detours and plan alternative routes during construction projects.
