CTA Route 73 Reroutes for Bridge Repairs

CTA Route 73 detours around Cortland Bridge through September 2027 for rehabilitation work

CTA Route 73 Reroutes for Bridge Work

Chicago's Route 73 Armitage bus will take a detour around the Cortland Bridge starting Monday as construction crews work on the span over the Chicago River. The reroute affects both eastbound and westbound service through September 2027, transit officials said. Riders should expect longer travel times during the two-year construction period.

Extended Construction Timeline

The Cortland Bridge project represents one of Chicago's longer-term infrastructure improvements affecting transit service. Bridge rehabilitation work typically requires extended closures to ensure structural integrity and safety, according to the transit agency. The CTA coordinates with city departments on construction projects that impact bus routes to minimize disruptions while allowing necessary repairs. Officials said the lengthy timeline reflects the scope of work needed on the aging bridge structure.

Detailed Detour Routes

Eastbound Route 73 buses will travel via Cortland, Elston, North Avenue, Kingsbury, Clifton, and Clybourn before resuming the normal route on Racine. Westbound buses will operate via Racine, Clybourn, Sheffield, North Avenue, and Elston, then return to the regular route on Cortland. The reroute takes effect Monday, September 22, 2025, at 9:00 AM and continues through Thursday, September 30, 2027. Transit officials said the detour routes were designed to maintain service to nearby neighborhoods while avoiding the construction zone.

Implementation Details

The service change begins Monday morning during off-peak hours to allow operators and riders to adjust to the new routing. CTA officials said the timing accommodates the bridge construction schedule while maintaining access to key destinations along the route. The agency hasn't specified whether additional buses will be deployed to offset longer travel times caused by the detour.

Rider Information

Passengers should allow extra travel time throughout the construction period, transit officials said. The extended detour will add several minutes to typical trip times in both directions. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA Route 73 and alternative routing options during the construction period.