CTA Route 119 Detours Around Construction Zone
CTA Route 119 detours via Halsted and Wentworth due to 119th/Normal construction
CTA Route 119 Reroutes at 119th/Normal
Chicago's Route 119 Michigan/119th bus will detour around construction starting Friday, April 17, at 8 a.m., affecting riders traveling through the 119th/Normal intersection. The Chicago Transit Authority said buses in both directions will temporarily divert via 119th Street, Halsted Street, 115th Street, and Wentworth Avenue before returning to their regular route. Officials haven't announced when the reroute will end, advising passengers to allow extra travel time.
Construction Prompts Service Change
The temporary reroute is necessary due to construction work taking place near the 119th/Normal intersection, according to the transit agency. The CTA classified the alert as causing minor delays and a route change. Officials didn't specify what type of construction is underway or which entity is performing the work. Transit agencies typically implement temporary reroutes when roadwork, utility projects, or infrastructure improvements block regular bus paths, with detours designed to minimize additional travel time while maintaining access to nearby stops.
Detour Spans Multiple Streets
Buses will follow a four-street detour loop to navigate around the construction zone at 119th and Normal. The reroute takes buses west on 119th Street to Halsted Street, north on Halsted to 115th Street, east on 115th to Wentworth Avenue, then south on Wentworth back to 119th Street where they'll resume normal service. Officials didn't say whether temporary bus stops will be established along the detour route or how much additional time the diversion will add to trips. The CTA said the change affects service in both directions, though specific stop closures or relocations weren't detailed in the alert.
Reroute Begins Friday Morning
The service change takes effect Friday, April 17, 2026, at 8 a.m., the CTA confirmed. Officials said the end date will be determined based on construction progress, meaning riders should expect the detour to remain in place for an indefinite period. The agency typically provides advance notice of temporary reroutes through customer alerts, though officials didn't specify how far in advance Route 119 riders were notified of this change.
Riders Should Plan Extra Time
Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time due to the service change, with the detour adding distance to the route's regular path. The CTA said it provides various ways for customers to stay informed about service changes, including alerts, trackers, and social media updates. Moovit offers real-time bus tracking and alternative route suggestions for Route 119 riders affected by the construction detour.
