The century-old deteriorated bridge at Division Street over the Chicago River North Branch Canal will be demolished and replaced this summer.

Built in 1903, the double-leaf bascule movable bridge has reached the end of its useful life and is in need of a full replacement. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is undertaking a $6 million project to demolish the current structure and replace it with a fixed-span interim bridge until a permanent bascule one is constructed.

“This historic bridge has been in service for more than a century as a key transportation link across Goose Island for trucks, cars, bikes and pedestrians,” said CDOT Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld. “But it is at the end of its useful life, and is in need of a complete reconstruction.”

Beginning on June 30th, all traffic will be detoured around the bridge in with the following routes:

Westbound Detour

• Trucks and cars: Halsted Street south to Chicago Avenue, west to Ashland Avenue, then back north to Division.

• Buses: Halsted south to North Branch Street, north to Cherry Avenue, then back north to Division.

• Pedestrians and bicycles: Halsted south to North Branch, then back north to Division.

Eastbound Detour

• Trucks and cars: Ashland south to Chicago, east to Halsted, then back north to Division.

• Buses: Cherry south to North Branch, south to Halsted, then back north to Division.

• Pedestrians and bicycles: North Branch south to Halsted, then back north to Division.

CDOT has been working with the businesses in the area to inform them of the detour routes and construction, which is expected to last until mid-October.

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