CTA Route 73 Reroutes for Bridge Repairs
CTA bus route 73 detours around Cortland Bridge through 2027 for construction work
CTA Reroutes Bus Route 73 for Bridge Work
Chicago Transit Authority's bus route 73 Armitage will detour around the Cortland Bridge starting Sept. 22 as construction crews work on the span over the Chicago River. The reroute affects both eastbound and westbound service, with buses taking alternate paths through the North Side to avoid the construction zone. The detour will remain in place through Sept. 30, 2027, transit officials said.
Two-Year Construction Project Prompts Service Changes
The extended timeline reflects the scope of work needed on the Cortland Bridge, a key crossing over the Chicago River. Bridge rehabilitation projects in Chicago typically require lengthy closures to address structural repairs, deck replacement, or safety upgrades while maintaining navigation clearances for river traffic. The CTA said the reroute is designed to maintain service continuity while accommodating the construction schedule. Transit agencies typically coordinate with city infrastructure departments on projects affecting bus routes to minimize rider disruption.
Buses Take Different Paths East and West
Eastbound route 73 buses will travel via Cortland, Elston, North Avenue, Kingsbury, Clifton, and Clybourn before resuming the normal route on Racine, according to the transit agency. Westbound buses will operate via Racine, Clybourn, Sheffield, North Avenue, and Elston, then return to the regular route on Cortland. The detour paths add several turns and additional street segments compared to the direct route across the Cortland Bridge. Officials advised passengers to allow extra travel time during the construction period.
Reroute Begins Late September
The service change takes effect Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at 9 a.m. and continues through Thursday, Sept. 30, 2027, CTA officials confirmed. The agency typically posts detour information at affected bus stops and updates route maps before major service changes begin. Officials didn't specify whether the bridge work will proceed continuously throughout the two-year period or involve phases that might allow temporary restoration of normal routing.
Riders Can Track Detoured Buses
Route 73 passengers should expect longer trip times and different stop locations along the detour segments, particularly near the river crossing area. The CTA said riders can check for service updates as the construction progresses. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and updated route information for CTA services, helping riders navigate temporary detours and plan trips around construction-related changes.
