On February 20th, we hosted a webinar featuring updates on infrastructure and development projects in the North Branch.

If you missed the program, it can be seen here.

The webinar included new timelines for the replacement of the two bridges on Division Street and the Chicago Avenue Bridge and Halsted Viaduct Project.

Our presenters also discussed upcoming projects in the 32nd Ward, plans for the redevelopment of Lathrop Homes south of Diversey, and construction updates for Halsted Pointe and Bally’s Casino.

Please find below important information about each project.

New Division Street Bridge near Elston Avenue (rendering)

Replacement of the Division Street Bridges
Soliman Khudeira from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) gave an overview of the project. Here are the major updates:

• Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025; the new bridges will be installed by the fourth quarter of 2026.
• During construction, temporary bridges will be built next to each existing bridge. There will be no detour for the project.
• The project will modernize and improve three intersections along Division Street: Elston Avenue, N North Branch Street, and Halsted Street.
• Protected bike lanes will be added in each direction on Division Street
• There will be a new traffic signal at Hickory Avenue and the addition of left turn lanes.

Replacement of Chicago Avenue Bridge & Halsted Viaduct
Soliman Khudeira from CDOT also discussed this project:

Chicago Avenue Bridge over Chicago River

• Construction will begin during the third quarter of 2025 and the project will be finished by the third quarter of 2026.
• The project area for the replacement of Chicago Avenue Bridge is from Green Street (west) to Kingsbury Street (east).
• The project area for the replacement of the Chicago/Halsted Viaduct is from Ancona Street (south) to Chicago River (north).
• During construction, the Chicago Avenue Bridge will be closed to vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The detour for vehicles is Grand Avenue, Wells Street, Division Street, and Ashland Avenue.

Projects in the 32nd Ward
Alderman Scott Waguespack talked about several upcoming projects:

• The rehabilitation of the Cortland Street Bridge is expected to start by the end of March and take approximately ten months to a year to complete.
• The intersection of Clybourn/Damen/Diversey will receive signal replacements with left turn arrows.
• A new intersection will be constructed for the west exit of Costco on Damen Avenue to improve safety.
• The traffic signals at Ashland and Diversey Avenues will be upgraded.
• Damen Avenue between Belmont and Addison will be resurfaced. Improvements include ADA compliance upgrades, pavement patching, milling, and paving existing asphalt, concrete bus pads, and striping.

Lathrop Homes
Shreya Singh from Related Midwest spoke about plans to redevelop Lathrop Homes south of Diversey Avenue:

Lathrop Homes (image credit: Related Midwest)

• Currently, the buildings on the southern campus are in poor condition and require intensive remediation and renovation.
• Related Midwest plans to renovate seven buildings and meet historical preservation standards and build one new building.
• This work will add 309 mixed income housing units, adding to the 488 units that have been completed on the north side of Diversey.
• The plan includes renovating the exterior of the powerhouse.

Halsted Pointe
Paul Purewal from Onni Group gave an update on plans for the Halsted Pointe project (901 N. Halsted):

• Demolition has been finished; Onni Group hopes to begin the first phase of construction by the end of this year.
• The City of Chiago has approved the site plan which includes the construction of 2,650 residential units.
• The new site plan reduces the ground space and adds more green space along the Chicago River.
• Onni Group is a long-term owner of its buildings. The company is committed to being a good neighbor and maintaining well its communities at Halsted Pointe and Halsted Landing.

Bally's Casino (rendering)

Bally’s Casino
Jonathan Snyder gave a short update about Bally’s Casino:

• Demolition of the Chicago Tribune’s Freedom Center has been completed.
• Construction will begin soon on Bally’s Casino.
• The project is expected to be finished by the third quarter of 2026.

NBW would like to thank our wonderful presenters for giving updates on their projects. We are committed to providing the North Branch community with the latest updates on infrastructure and development.

Stay tuned to our blog and social media for the latest updates. Sign up for our e-newsletter here.

Image credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago (top)