Chicago Marathon street closures are bringing major changes for public transit riders today. With runners moving through several parts of the city, 34 CTA bus routes are being rerouted or temporarily ending service before their usual terminals.
Most of the changes are expected from 6 a.m. to about 4 p.m. Riders traveling through downtown and through areas on the North, West and South sides along the marathon course are likely to see the greatest impact.
34 Bus Routes Are Affected
The affected routes are 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, J14, 18, 20, 21, 22, 29, 35, 36, 50, 56, 60, 62, 65, 66, 70, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 80, 124, 126, 146, 147, 151 and 152.
That does not mean all of those routes are suspended. Some buses are operating on detours, while others are temporarily ending their trips before their normal terminals.
CTA is advising riders to check their specific route before leaving and allow extra time for travel.
Rail Is the Easier Option for Downtown Travel
CTA recommends rail service whenever possible for trips downtown and to viewing locations along the marathon course.
The Red, Brown, Blue, Pink, Green and Orange lines allow riders to avoid many of the street closures and bus detours affecting surface traffic.
Rail may be especially useful for spectators moving between different points along the course, since many of those locations can be reached without navigating the most congested streets.
Special Service to Navy Pier and Museum Campus
Navy Pier and Museum Campus remain accessible through special bus connections.
Route 66 is providing shuttle service between Chicago Avenue and Clark Street and Navy Pier, while Route 146 is connecting the Roosevelt station with Museum Campus.
Routes 20 and 56 are also operating differently. Those buses are ending their trips at Clinton Street and Madison Street, where passengers continuing downtown can transfer to the Green or Pink Line.
Delays May Extend Beyond the Course
Even routes that are not suspended may experience delays because of police barricades, closed intersections and heavy pedestrian traffic near the marathon course.
Riders should check their route before leaving and allow extra travel time, particularly during the morning and early afternoon when restrictions are at their most extensive.
Source: CTA, Photo: Milan Brašanac
