CTA Route 47 Detours for Infrastructure Work
CTA Route 47 eastbound buses detour via Damen and 51st 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.
Street Blockage Forces Extended Service Change
The Chicago Transit Authority announced the reroute to accommodate infrastructure work near 47th and Paulina, according to the transit agency. Route 47 serves Chicago's South Side, connecting neighborhoods from the lakefront through Back of the Yards. The eight-week duration suggests substantial street work that'll prevent normal bus operations through the affected area. Officials didn't specify the nature of the blockage or whether it's related to construction, utility work, or other infrastructure projects.
Detour Adds Several Blocks to Eastbound Trips
Eastbound Route 47 buses will turn north on Damen from 47th Street, then travel east on 51st Street to Ashland before heading back north to rejoin the regular route on 47th Street, transit officials said. The detour adds approximately four blocks to the journey for eastbound riders between Damen and Ashland. Westbound buses will maintain their normal route without changes throughout the reroute period. The CTA advised passengers to allow extra travel time during the service change, though officials didn't provide estimates for how much additional time riders should expect.
Reroute Runs Through Mid-April
The service change begins at 5:00 AM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and ends at 7:30 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026, according to the transit agency. The nearly eight-week reroute will affect weekday, weekend, and holiday service on Route 47. Officials said they'll provide updates if the timeline changes, but didn't indicate whether the blockage might be resolved earlier than scheduled.
Riders Can Track Detour in Real Time
Passengers using the affected portion of Route 47 should plan for longer travel times and consider alternative routes if available, transit officials said. The CTA noted that multiple other bus routes and rail lines are experiencing service alerts, though officials didn't specify which routes. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA Route 47 and all Chicago transit services, helping riders navigate detours and plan trips during service changes.
