The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced spring bridge lifts will begin on Saturday, April 20, with the raising of 27 bridges from South Ashland Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Each year, in the spring and fall, CDOT raises the movable bridges along the Main and South Branches of the Chicago River on a twice-weekly schedule on Saturdays and Wednesdays to accommodate recreational boats traveling to and from their storage yards. During these “boat runs,” the bridges are typically raised one at a time, with each bridge lift taking an average of 8-12 minutes. A total of 27 bridges will be lifted in succession from the Ashland Avenue Bridge on the South Branch to Lake Shore Drive.

While the bridge is in the upright position, traffic is halted, and drivers may use alternate streets or wait until the bridge is lowered. Bridge lifts typically begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.  

The Spring 2024 schedule is as follows. A calendar is available here.

• Saturday, April 20 at 8:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, April 24 at 9:00 a.m.
• Saturday, April 27 at 8:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 1 at 9:00 a.m.
• Saturday, May 4 at 8:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 8 at 9:00 a.m.
• Saturday, May 11 at 8:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 15 at 9:00 a.m.
• Saturday, May 18 at 8:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 22 at 9:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 29 at 9:00 a.m.
• Saturday, June 1 at 8:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 5 at 9:00 a.m.
• Saturday, June 8 at 8:00 a.m.
• Wednesday June 12 at 9:00 a.m.
• Saturday June 15 at 8:00 a.m.