Chicago Avenue Bridge Set for Major Reconstruction
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will launch a major infrastructure project in August to replace the aging Chicago Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River and reconstruct the adjacent Halsted Street Viaduct.
The $70 million project aims to modernize a critical corridor near downtown and improve safety for all users.
Work is scheduled to begin the week of Aug. 4, and continue through the end of 2026. CDOT plans to replace the temporary Chicago Avenue bridge with a permanent tied-arch structure and fully reconstruct the viaduct on Halsted Street.
Additional improvements include new protected bike lanes on Halsted, dedicated CTA bus lanes on Chicago Avenue, upgraded traffic signals, new lighting, landscaping and a new riverwalk connection beneath the bridge.
The project will cause traffic impacts. Halsted Street will close in both directions beginning Aug. 4:
- Northbound Detour: East on Grand Avenue, north on Orleans Street, west on Division Street to return to Halsted.
- Southbound Detour: East on Division Street, south on LaSalle Drive, west on Grand Avenue to return to Halsted.
Chicago Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction starting Aug. 4, with a full closure planned beginning in October 2025. CDOT will announce pedestrian and vehicle detours ahead of the next construction phase.
Construction is expected to occur weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with possible Saturday work. No overnight work is planned.
Source: Chicago.gov, Rnrachicago.com