The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today announced it will close Chicago Ave. between Larrabee and Halsted Sts. at 5:00 a.m. on November 1 to begin the demolition of the 100 year old bascule bridge. In its place, CDOT will install an interim bridge to ensure continued safe travel over the north branch of the Chicago River.

The current bridge was constructed in 1914 and requires full replacement to maintain and support the volume of vehicle, bus, bicycle and pedestrian traffic in this active corridor. Preliminary work on the project began in late September. On Nov. 1, CDOT will start the demolition of the existing bridge and replacement with a new interim bridge structure. The full project to replace the bridge is expected to last five months; however, the roadway on Chicago Ave. is scheduled to reopen early next year. After the reopening of the roadway, the final month will consist of installing new road and navigational lighting.

Marked detours have been designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, personal vehicles, buses and trucks (see attached exhibit). CDOT is making every effort to keep traffic disruptions as short as possible and is limiting other construction on the detour routes, and restricting parking to maximize road capacity.

CDOT has also partnered with CTA to initiate an innovative pilot program to help mitigate the impact of the bridge detour for the 15,000 daily bus riders in this corridor. In order to maintain service reliability and trip speed for CTA bus route #66 Chicago customers, a temporary, shared bus-bike lane will be installed on Halsted St. between Chicago Ave. and Division St., in both directions. The shared bus-bike lane will be curbside and have no impact on normal traffic flow or roadway capacity along Halsted. The shared bus-bike lane will be exclusive to CTA buses and bicycles. Parking will be restricted in this area to accommodate the bus-bike lane. CDOT and CTA encourage the use of public transportation during the construction detour.

Construction and installation of the permanent structure is expected to occur in 2021.

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