CTA Reroutes Route 50 for Construction Work

CTA Route 50 buses detour via Ashland, Clark streets March 24-April 13 for construction

CTA Reroutes Route 50 Buses for Construction

Chicago's #50 Damen bus will take a detour through several North Side streets for three weeks starting Tuesday, transit officials said. The Chicago Transit Authority announced the temporary reroute will affect both northbound and southbound service from March 24 through April 13 to accommodate construction work. Riders should expect longer travel times during the detour period.

Construction Prompts Three-Week Service Change

The reroute is necessary to accommodate ongoing construction in the area, according to the transit agency. CTA officials said the service modification will allow contractors to complete infrastructure work while maintaining bus access to nearby neighborhoods. The agency didn't specify what type of construction is taking place or which entity is managing the project. Transit agencies typically coordinate with city departments and contractors to minimize service disruptions during construction projects, though specific details about this work weren't available.

Buses Will Use Alternate North Side Streets

Northbound #50 Damen buses will be rerouted via Ashland, Rosehill, Clark, and Bryn Mawr, ending their trips on Bryn Mawr between Clark and Ashland. Southbound #50 buses will begin their trips at Bryn Mawr/Ashland, then resume their normal route on Ashland. The reroute takes effect Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 5:00 AM and continues until Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Officials said passengers should allow extra travel time during this period.

Detour Runs Through Mid-April

The temporary routing will remain in place for 20 days, officials confirmed. Service begins under the modified route at 5:00 AM on March 24 and returns to normal at 5:00 PM on April 13. The agency didn't say whether the construction timeline could extend beyond the scheduled completion date or if additional service changes might be needed.

Riders Can Track Changes Through Transit Apps

The #50 Damen route is one of more than 40 CTA bus routes currently operating with active service alerts, officials said. Passengers are advised to check for updates before traveling, as construction-related changes can affect trip times and stop locations. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA routes, helping riders navigate temporary detours and plan alternative routes during service modifications.