CTA Reroutes Route 157 for Canal Street Work

CTA Route 157 northbound buses detour via Taylor and Jefferson streets starting December 15

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 as construction crews rebuild Canal Street. Northbound buses will detour via Taylor and Jefferson streets before returning to their regular route on Washington, transit officials said. Southbound service won't be affected by the changes, which the Chicago Transit Authority announced to accommodate the Chicago Department of Transportation's Canal Street Reconstruction Project.

Construction Project Drives Service Change

The Canal Street Reconstruction Project requires the temporary route modification to keep buses moving while crews work on the roadway. Transit agencies typically reroute buses around major infrastructure projects to maintain service while allowing construction to proceed safely. Officials didn't provide an end date for the reroute, saying the change will remain in effect until the Canal Street work is complete. The CTA said passengers should expect the detour to last for the duration of the reconstruction project.

Multiple Boarding Points Available

Passengers can board eastbound buses at several stops along Jefferson Street during the reroute. The CTA designated boarding locations at Jefferson's intersections with Taylor, Polk, Harrison, Van Buren, Jackson, and Washington streets. Additional boarding is available at the southwest corner of Washington and Canal, officials said. The agency set up multiple pickup points to minimize inconvenience for riders affected by the route change.

Changes Take Effect Mid-December

The reroute begins Monday, December 15, 2025, with northbound buses immediately shifting to the Taylor and Jefferson detour. Officials said they'll announce an end date once the Chicago Department of Transportation provides a timeline for completing the Canal Street reconstruction. The CTA typically notifies riders several weeks before service changes, giving passengers time to plan alternative routes or adjust their schedules.

Riders Advised to Plan Extra Time

Passengers should allow extra travel time due to the service changes, transit officials said. The detour adds several blocks to the northbound route, which could extend trip times during peak hours. Riders can track real-time bus locations and get updated arrival times through Moovit, which provides live transit information for CTA routes throughout Chicago.