CTA Routes 88, 90 Resume Normal Service

CTA routes 88 and 90 return to normal paths after Harlem Blue Line bridge work ends

CTA Routes 88, 90 Resume Normal Service March 23

Chicago's CTA will restore normal routing for buses 88 Higgins and 90 Harlem starting Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:00 AM, transit officials announced. The changes follow completion of construction on the Harlem Blue Line station's bus bridge over the Kennedy Expressway. Both routes had been operating on temporary detours during the bridge work, affecting riders traveling between northwest Chicago neighborhoods and Blue Line connections.

Construction Completion Enables Route Restoration

The routing restoration comes after months of construction work on the Harlem Blue Line station's bus bridge, which spans the Kennedy Expressway. Transit officials said the project required temporary detours to ensure rider safety during construction. The completed bridge now allows buses to resume their standard paths and boarding locations. Officials didn't specify the total duration of the construction project or its cost.

New Boarding Locations at Harlem Station

Westbound route 88 buses heading to Devon/Canfield will board at the north bus bay on the Harlem Blue Line station's bus bridge instead of the previous temporary stop at Harlem/Bryn Mawr's northeast corner. Eastbound route 88 buses to Jefferson Park Blue Line station will use the southbound bus stop outside the station's east entrance. Route 90 buses will begin and end trips at the center bus bay on the bus bridge, eliminating the temporary routing via Talcott and Sayre streets.

Service Changes Take Effect Monday Morning

The normal routing takes effect at 6:00 AM on Monday, March 23, 2026, officials confirmed. Transit officials said riders should allow extra time during the first few days as they adjust to the restored boarding locations. The agency typically posts signage at affected stops before major service changes, though officials didn't specify when wayfinding materials would be installed at Harlem station.

Riders Can Track Route Changes

The routing restoration affects riders who use routes 88 and 90 to connect with Blue Line service at Harlem station, a key transfer point for northwest Chicago commuters. Officials said the return to normal routing should reduce travel times compared to the temporary detours. Riders can track real-time bus locations and receive service alerts through Moovit, which provides updated routing information for all CTA buses and trains.