CTA Reroutes Three Lines to Maintain Downtown Service
CTA reroutes three bus lines near Michigan and Chicago due to street blockage
CTA Reroutes 3 Bus Lines Near Michigan Avenue
Three major Chicago bus routes are taking detours near Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue due to a street blockage, transit officials said. The CTA's #3 King Drive, #66 Chicago, and #26 South Shore Express began using alternate routes Friday, March 13, at 2:14 PM. The changes affect thousands of daily riders traveling through downtown Chicago, though officials haven't said when normal service will resume.
Street Blockage Forces Downtown Service Changes
The reroutes stem from a blockage at the Michigan and Chicago intersection, one of downtown Chicago's busiest transit corridors. Transit officials said the changes are necessary to maintain service continuity while the blockage is cleared. The affected routes serve key downtown destinations and connect neighborhoods on the city's South Side to the central business district. Officials classified the disruption as causing minor delays, though specific details about ridership impact weren't available. The CTA typically issues customer alerts for service changes affecting major routes during peak travel periods.
Each Route Takes Different Detour Path
Southbound #3 King Drive buses now travel via Ontario Street and Michigan Avenue before resuming regular routing, while northbound buses use Michigan Avenue, Pearson Street, Mies Van Der Rohe Way, and Chicago Avenue. The #66 Chicago sees more complex changes: eastbound buses operate via Chicago Avenue, Michigan Avenue, Ohio Street, and Fairbanks Court, while westbound buses use Grand Avenue, Fairbanks Court, Ontario Street, and Michigan Avenue. The #26 South Shore Express northbound buses travel via Michigan Avenue, Oak Street, Inner Lake Shore Drive, and Chicago Avenue. Officials didn't specify whether all regular stops along these routes remain accessible during the detours.
Duration of Changes Remains Unclear
The reroutes began Friday afternoon, but officials haven't announced when buses will return to normal routing. Transit officials said the duration depends on how quickly the street blockage can be cleared, though they didn't provide details about what's causing the obstruction. The CTA typically resolves temporary street blockages within hours to days, but officials haven't indicated whether this situation follows that pattern. Riders should check for updates as the situation develops.
Riders Advised to Plan Extra Time
Passengers using the affected routes should allow extra travel time and verify their bus is following the temporary routing, officials said. The detours add several blocks to some trips, particularly for riders boarding near the Michigan and Chicago intersection. Transit officials said they'll update riders when normal service resumes, though they didn't specify how that notification will occur. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated routing information for all CTA lines, helping riders navigate temporary service changes throughout Chicago.
