CTA Route 157 Adjusts for Canal Street Work

CTA route 157 northbound buses detour via Jefferson Street starting December 15

CTA Route 157 Reroutes via Jefferson Dec 15

Chicago's CTA will reroute northbound buses on route 157 Streeterville/Taylor starting Monday, December 15, transit officials said. Northbound buses will travel via Taylor and Jefferson streets before resuming their normal route on Washington, while southbound service won't be affected. The change stems from the Chicago Department of Transportation's Canal Street Reconstruction Project, though officials haven't announced when the reroute will end.

Infrastructure Work Drives Service Change

The reroute accommodates CDOT's Canal Street Reconstruction Project, which requires temporary street closures in the downtown area. Transit agencies typically adjust bus routes when infrastructure projects block normal paths, ensuring riders can still reach their destinations while construction proceeds. Officials said multiple boarding locations have been designated along Jefferson Street for affected passengers. The CTA didn't provide details about the project's scope or expected completion timeline, though such reconstruction work often takes several months to complete.

Northbound Riders Face Route Changes

Northbound route 157 buses will detour via Taylor and Jefferson streets before returning to Washington Street and continuing their regular path. Southbound buses will maintain their normal route without changes, officials confirmed. The CTA advised passengers to allow extra travel time during the reroute period. Officials didn't specify how much additional time riders should expect or whether service frequency will change during construction. Multiple boarding points along Jefferson Street will serve passengers during the detour.

Reroute Begins Monday with No End Date

The service change takes effect Monday, December 15, 2025, officials said. The CTA hasn't announced when the reroute will end, noting it depends on CDOT's construction timeline. Transit agencies typically restore normal routes once infrastructure work concludes and streets reopen, though officials didn't provide an estimated completion date for the Canal Street project.

Riders Can Track Service Changes

Route 157 riders should plan for the detour when traveling northbound through the affected area and allow extra time for their trips. Officials said the CTA provides service updates through multiple channels, though they didn't specify which communication methods will carry reroute information. Moovit offers real-time bus tracking and route planning for CTA services, helping riders navigate temporary service changes throughout Chicago's transit system.