CTA Route 70 Rerouted Around Flooded Streets

CTA Route 70 buses detour via Pulaski, Augusta, and Cicero due to flooding at Division and Kolmar

CTA Route 70 Rerouted Due to Flooding

Chicago's Route 70 Division bus is taking a detour around flooded streets near Division and Kolmar, affecting riders traveling in both directions. The Chicago Transit Authority issued an alert Friday night confirming the temporary reroute due to localized flooding at the Division/Kolmar intersection. Buses are being redirected via Division, Pulaski, Augusta, and Cicero before returning to their regular route on Division, and passengers should allow extra travel time.

Flooding Forces Service Modification

The reroute became necessary when localized flooding made the Division/Kolmar intersection impassable for buses, transit officials said. The CTA classified this as a minor delay and reroute impact, though the agency hasn't specified what caused the flooding or how severe water levels are at the affected intersection. Weather-related service disruptions are common in Chicago, where aging infrastructure and heavy rainfall can create localized flooding that blocks bus routes. The agency typically reroutes buses around flooded areas until water recedes and streets are deemed safe for regular service.

Route Details and Affected Areas

The temporary route sends buses traveling in both directions away from the Division/Kolmar intersection. Eastbound and westbound buses now travel via Division Street to Pulaski Road, then south on Pulaski to Augusta Boulevard, east on Augusta to Cicero Avenue, and north on Cicero back to Division Street. The detour adds several blocks to the regular route, though officials haven't said how much additional travel time riders should expect. Route 70 Division is a major east-west bus line serving Chicago's Northwest and West sides, connecting neighborhoods from Austin to downtown.

Duration Remains Uncertain

The CTA issued the alert at 11:13 PM Friday but hasn't provided a timeline for when buses will return to their normal route. The duration of the reroute is listed as to be determined, with restoration of regular service dependent on when floodwaters recede and the street is cleared. Transit officials said they'll monitor conditions and restore normal service once it's safe to do so.

Rider Information and Updates

Passengers using Route 70 should plan for longer trips and possible schedule changes while the detour remains in effect. The CTA advises riders to allow extra travel time when using this route during the reroute period. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders navigate temporary service changes and plan trips around detours.