CTA Reroutes Route 157 for Canal Street Work
CTA Route 157 northbound buses detour via Jefferson Street starting December 15 for Canal work
CTA Reroutes Route 157 Buses for Canal Work
Chicago's Route 157 Streeterville/Taylor buses will take a different path through downtown starting December 15, affecting northbound riders heading to the Loop. The Chicago Transit Authority announced the temporary reroute to accommodate the Chicago Department of Transportation's Canal Street Reconstruction Project. Southbound service won't be affected by the changes, transit officials said.
Construction Project Drives Service Change
The reroute stems from ongoing infrastructure work on Canal Street, where the Chicago Department of Transportation is conducting reconstruction. Transit agencies typically adjust bus routes when street projects block normal paths or create safety concerns for passengers and drivers. Officials didn't provide details about the scope of the Canal Street project or how long the reconstruction work will take. The CTA said the reroute will remain in effect until construction is complete, though a specific end date wasn't announced.
Jefferson Street Becomes Temporary Route
Northbound Route 157 buses will detour via Taylor and Jefferson streets before returning to their regular route on Washington, according to the transit agency. The CTA has designated multiple boarding locations along Jefferson Street for affected passengers, including stops at Taylor, Polk, Harrison, Van Buren, Jackson, and Washington intersections. Additional boarding is available at the southwest corner of Washington and Canal. Officials said southbound buses will continue operating on their normal route without any changes.
Service Change Takes Effect Mid-December
The reroute is scheduled to begin Monday, December 15, 2025, transit officials confirmed. The CTA didn't announce when the temporary route will end or provide an estimated timeline for the Canal Street reconstruction project's completion. Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time due to the service changes, according to the transit agency.
Riders Should Plan for Longer Trips
Route 157 passengers should expect potential delays and different boarding locations during the construction period. The detour adds several blocks to northbound trips through the affected area. Transit officials said riders should familiarize themselves with the new boarding locations along Jefferson Street before the December 15 start date. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and updated route information for CTA services throughout Chicago.
