CTA Reroutes Express Buses Around State/Lake Work

CTA reroutes northbound #146 and #148 express buses via State and Wacker due to State/Lake construction

CTA Reroutes Express Buses for State/Lake Work

Two Chicago express bus routes will take a different path through downtown starting Wednesday due to construction at State/Lake. The Chicago Transit Authority confirmed northbound #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express and #148 Clarendon/Michigan Express buses will detour via State, Wacker Drive, and East Wacker Place before rejoining their regular route on Michigan Avenue. Southbound service on both routes won't be affected.

Construction Drives Service Adjustment

The temporary reroute accommodates ongoing construction activities in the downtown area, according to the transit agency. Express routes like the #146 and #148 serve commuters traveling between the North Side and downtown Chicago, providing faster service with limited stops compared to local routes. The State/Lake area is a key downtown intersection where multiple transit services converge. Officials didn't specify how long the construction work will last or when normal routing will resume.

Detour Details and Affected Service

The reroute takes effect Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 9:00 AM, with the end date to be determined. Northbound buses will travel via State Street, then turn onto Wacker Drive and East Wacker Place before returning to Michigan Avenue. The detour adds several blocks to the normal route through the Loop. Only northbound service on the two express routes will be rerouted—southbound #146 and #148 buses will continue operating on their regular paths without changes.

Riders Should Plan for Extra Time

Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time during the reroute period. The CTA recommends checking for updates as the construction situation develops, though officials haven't provided a timeline for when the work will be completed. Transit agencies typically post construction-related service changes several days in advance to give regular commuters time to adjust their schedules.

Impact on Downtown Commuters

Regular commuters using these express routes during morning and midday hours will need to account for the modified routing through the Loop. The detour affects riders boarding or alighting at stops along the normal Michigan Avenue corridor in the construction zone. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA routes, helping riders track bus locations and adjust to temporary service changes like this downtown detour.