CTA Route 47 Adjusts for Street Blockage
CTA Route 47 eastbound buses detour via Damen and 51st for 55 days due to street blockage
CTA Route 47 Detours East for 8 Weeks
Chicago's Route 47 bus will detour eastbound service for nearly two months starting late February due to a street blockage near 47th and Paulina. The Chicago Transit Authority said the reroute takes effect Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 5:00 AM and continues through Monday, April 20, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Westbound buses won't be affected and will operate on their regular route.
Street Blockage Forces Service Adjustment
The temporary reroute is necessary because of a street blockage in the 47th/Paulina area, transit officials said. The CTA didn't specify what's causing the blockage or whether it's related to construction, infrastructure work, or another issue. Street blockages typically require transit agencies to modify routes when buses can't safely navigate affected areas. The agency said passengers should allow extra travel time during the eight-week detour period.
Detour Route Details
Eastbound Route 47 buses will travel via 47th Street to Damen Avenue, then south on Damen to 51st Street, east on 51st to Ashland Avenue, then north on Ashland back to 47th Street where they'll resume normal routing. The detour adds approximately four blocks to the southbound portion of the route before buses return north to 47th. Officials didn't say whether the detour will affect travel times or how many daily trips operate on Route 47. The CTA confirmed westbound service will continue without changes throughout the detour period.
Two-Month Timeline
The reroute begins at the start of morning service on February 24 and continues for 55 days until evening service ends on April 20. Transit officials didn't say whether the April 20 end date could change depending on how quickly the street blockage is resolved. The CTA typically announces service changes several days in advance to give riders time to plan alternate routes or adjust their schedules.
Rider Impact
Passengers who board at stops between Paulina and Ashland on eastbound Route 47 will need to use alternate stops during the detour. The CTA said riders should plan for additional travel time, though officials didn't provide estimates for how much longer trips might take. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated routing information for CTA services, helping riders track detoured buses and plan trips during service changes.
