CTA Reroutes Route 73 for Bridge Work

CTA bus route 73 detours around Cortland Bridge during construction work

CTA Reroutes Bus Route 73 for Bridge Work

Chicago's bus route 73 Armitage is taking a detour around the Cortland Bridge while construction crews work on the span over the Chicago River, transit officials said. The temporary reroute affects both eastbound and westbound service, with buses using alternate streets to bypass the bridge. Officials advised riders to allow extra travel time during the construction period, though they didn't specify when the bridge work will be completed.

Bridge Construction Prompts Service Changes

The Cortland Bridge reroute is part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance across Chicago's transit network, according to the transit agency. Bridge construction projects typically require temporary service modifications to ensure rider safety while allowing construction crews access to work sites. Officials said the planned reroute was designed to minimize disruptions while maintaining service to neighborhoods along the route. The agency didn't provide details about the scope of the bridge construction or estimated completion timeline.

Alternate Routes Detailed for Riders

Eastbound buses will operate via Cortland, Elston, North Avenue, Kingsbury, Clifton, and Clybourn before resuming the normal route on Racine, the CTA said. Westbound buses will travel via Racine, Clybourn, Sheffield, North Avenue, and Elston, then return to the regular route on Cortland. The detour adds several turns to the route as buses navigate around the closed bridge section. Officials classified the change as a planned reroute, distinguishing it from emergency service disruptions.

Implementation Timeline Remains Unclear

Transit officials announced the reroute but didn't specify when it took effect or how long it'll last. The agency typically provides advance notice for planned service changes, though the exact timeline for this reroute wasn't available. Officials said the modifications are necessary to accommodate bridge construction work. The CTA hasn't released information about whether the reroute will affect service frequency or if additional buses will be deployed to maintain schedules during the detour.

Riders Advised to Plan for Delays

Passengers using route 73 should expect longer travel times while the detour is in place, officials said. The alternate routing adds distance and additional stops to the journey as buses navigate surface streets around the construction zone. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on route 73 service and alternate travel options during the bridge work. Officials didn't say whether riders affected by significant delays would have access to other nearby routes or transfer options.