NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race takes over Grant Park this weekend.
Whether you are a fan trying to get to the July 5-6 races or a commuter hoping to avoid them, here’s how to navigate the road closures and bus reroutes, and take advantage of extra Metra train service.
CTA bus reroutes
The NASCAR races affect CTA bus service more than any other public transit option.
At least 18 bus routes have detours downtown due to road closures, some of which began early due to damage from the recent heat wave. Most of the affected routes usually use Michigan Avenue, which is closed from Thursday to July 7.
The closure of Jackson and Balbo — through Monday, July 14 — impacts the Nos. 2, 6, 10, J14, 26 and 28 routes. Congress Plaza is closed until July 9, rerouting the Nos. 7, 126, 143 and 147 buses.
Other temporary bus reroutes include the Nos. 3, 4, N4, 10, 12, 18, 130, 146 and 151.
Find a more detailed schedule of bus detours at www.transitchicago.com/nascar/.
More Metra trains
Extra Metra trains will operate the UP North, UP West and Rock Island lines. Metra said it is adding one additional inbound and outbound train to each of the lines on Saturday and Sunday. All other Metra lines will operate their normal weekend schedules.
Find updated Metra schedules at metra.com/
L trains operate as usual
CTA L service is unaffected by the races, though the agency will operate a free shuttle bus on the No. 146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express between the Roosevelt Red/Orange/Green line station and Museum Campus. The shuttle runs from July 2-8, operating every 15 minutes. Customers riding the No. 130 Museum Campus bus should transfer at Roosevelt to continue to Museum Campus.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include additional Metra train service.
