Chicago Avenue Bridge to close Sept. 29 for construction

CHICAGO (WGN) – Beginning Monday, Sept. 29, Chicago Avenue will fully close to all traffic between Larrabee Street and Peoria Street near the River North and Goose Island neighborhoods.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) said the planned closure is part of the ongoing reconstruction of the Chicago Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River and the adjacent Halsted Street Viaduct.

Official said the project includes:

• Removal of the existing temporary Chicago Avenue bridge and replacement with a permanent tied-arch bridge.
• Construction of a new riverwalk connection beneath the bridge.
• Removal and full replacement of the Chicago-Halsted viaduct.
• Installation of a new traffic signal at Chicago Avenue and Jefferson Street.
• Modernization of traffic signals at three intersections.
• Replacement of existing street lighting throughout the corridor.
• Installation of protected bike lanes on Halsted Street.
• Dedicated CTA bus lanes on Chicago Avenue.
• Corridor landscaping improvements.

While the bridge is closed for construction, the following detour routes will be made available:

• Eastbound Chicago Avenue traffic will be detoured via North Ashland Avenue, West Division Street, and North LaSalle Drive, back to Chicago Avenue.
• Westbound Chicago Avenue traffic will be detoured via North Orleans Street, West Division Street, and North Ashland Avenue, back to Chicago Avenue.

Officials said construction is expected to be completed by December of 2026.

More information on the construction project can be found here.