How to navigate NASCAR street bus detours — and take advantage of extra train service

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 #2, #6, #10, #J14, #26 and #28. Congress Plaza is closed until July 9, rerouting the #7, #126, #143 and #147.

Other temporary bus reroutes include the #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 on the Rock Island Line to and from Joliet, with one additional inbound train (arriving at LaSalle Street Station at 12:50 p.m.) and one additional outbound train (leaving LaSalle at 7:55 p.m.) on Saturday and Sunday. All other Metra lines operate their normal weekend schedules.

L trains operate as usual

CTA L service is unaffected by the races, though the agency will operate a free shuttle bus on the #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 #130 Museum Campus bus should transfer at Roosevelt to continue to Museum Campus.