CTA Route 47 Adjusts for Street Blockage

CTA Route 47 eastbound buses detour via Damen and 51st from Feb. 24 to April 20

CTA Route 47 Detours East for 8 Weeks

Chicago's Route 47 bus will detour eastbound service for nearly two months starting Feb. 24 due to a street blockage near 47th and Paulina, the Chicago Transit Authority said. The reroute affects only eastbound buses, which will travel via 47th, Damen, 51st, and Ashland before returning to the regular route. Westbound service won't change. The detour runs through April 20 at 7:30 PM, and riders should plan for extra travel time.

Street Blockage Forces Extended Service Change

The nearly eight-week detour is necessary because of a street blockage in the 47th and Paulina area, transit officials said. The CTA typically implements temporary reroutes when construction, infrastructure work, or street conditions prevent buses from using their normal paths. Officials didn't specify the nature of the blockage or whether it's related to construction, utility work, or other street conditions. The agency said the detour will remain in place until the blockage is cleared and normal service can resume.

Detour Adds Three Blocks to Eastbound Route

Eastbound Route 47 buses will leave their normal path at 47th Street, travel south on Damen to 51st Street, then head east on 51st to Ashland before returning north to resume the regular route on 47th, according to the transit agency. The detour adds approximately three blocks to the southbound portion of the trip. Westbound buses will continue operating on their standard route without any modifications. The reroute takes effect Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 5:00 AM, giving riders several days' notice to adjust their commute plans.

Service Change Lasts Through Late April

The detour will remain in effect for 55 days, ending Monday, April 20 at 7:30 PM, transit officials confirmed. The CTA advised passengers to allow extra travel time during the detour period to account for the modified route. Officials didn't say whether the end date could change depending on how quickly the street blockage is resolved. The agency typically updates service alerts on its website when conditions change or reroutes end earlier than scheduled.

Riders Should Plan for Longer Trips

Eastbound Route 47 passengers should expect slightly longer travel times due to the three-block detour, particularly during peak hours when traffic is heavier on the alternate route. Riders boarding between 47th and Paulina and the detour's endpoint should confirm their stop is still served or plan to walk from the nearest available stop. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders track their bus and adjust to the temporary service change.