CTA Route 47 Adjusts for Infrastructure Work
CTA Route 47 eastbound buses detour via Damen and 51st Street for 8 weeks starting Feb 24
CTA Route 47 Reroutes Eastbound Buses for 8 Weeks
Chicago's Route 47 bus will detour eastbound service for nearly two months due to a street blockage at 47th and Paulina, transit officials said. The reroute takes effect Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:00 AM and continues through Monday, April 20, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Eastbound buses will travel via 47th, Damen, 51st, and Ashland before returning to their regular route on 47th Street, while westbound service won't be affected.
Extended Detour Reflects Infrastructure Work
The eight-week duration suggests substantial street work near the 47th and Paulina intersection, though the Chicago Transit Authority hasn't specified the nature of the blockage. Transit agencies typically implement extended reroutes for major utility repairs, street reconstruction, or building projects that require lane closures. The CTA characterized this as a planned reroute, indicating coordination with city departments or contractors. Officials didn't provide details about what infrastructure work is causing the blockage or whether it's related to broader neighborhood improvements.
Detour Adds Distance to Eastbound Trips
Eastbound Route 47 buses will divert north on Damen to 51st Street, then travel east on 51st to Ashland before heading north to rejoin 47th Street. The detour bypasses several blocks of the route's normal path between Damen and Ashland on 47th Street. Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time during the reroute period. The CTA didn't release estimates for how much additional time the detour will add to trips, though the extra distance covers roughly eight blocks of the modified route.
Service Change Begins Late February
The reroute begins at 5:00 AM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and runs until 7:30 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026. The CTA recommends passengers check for updates and plan trips accordingly during the nearly two-month period. Officials didn't say whether the end date could change if street work finishes early or requires additional time. Transit agencies typically provide advance notice if planned service changes need extension beyond original timelines.
Riders Can Track Detour in Real Time
Route 47 serves Chicago's South Side, connecting neighborhoods along 47th Street between the lakefront and western areas. Passengers who regularly board or exit between Damen and Ashland on 47th Street will need to use alternative stops during the detour period. Westbound service continues operating normally without changes. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders navigate temporary detours and plan trips during service changes.
