The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is moving forward with plans to replace the Chicago Avenue Bridge and Halsted Viaduct.

CDOT recently held a public meeting before a packed house at the Bucktown-Wicker Park Public Library.  If you missed the meeting, the presentation slides can be reviewed here.

Some of the most important takeaways for businesses and community stakeholders in the area include:

• Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 and finish by the third quarter of 2026.
• The project will remove the existing temporary Chicago Ave. Bridge over the Chicago River and replace it with a tied-arch bridge (pictured) and add a Riverwalk connection beneath the new bridge.
• The existing Chicago-Halsted Viaduct will be replaced with a new viaduct.
• During Stage 1 construction, cars will be detoured around the site via LaSalle St., Grand Avenue, Ashland Avenue and Division Street.
• During Stage 1 construction, trucks will be diverted via Wells St., North Avenue, and Ashland Avenue.
• The project will add accommodations for people walking and biking as well as designated areas that will improve bus service.
• Additional improvements include street lighting removal and replacement, traffic signal modernization and landscaping.
• Nearby projects expected to be under construction at the same time as this project include the replacement of the Division Street Bridges Project, Bally’s Casino, and Halsted Landing.

CDOT is accepting public comments on this project until June 19, 2024. Please email them to Soliman Khudeira via: soliman.khudeira@cityofchicago.org.

North Branch Works would like to alert businesses that construction on the Division Street Bridges on Goose Island is expected to share roughly the same timeline as the Chicago Avenue Bridge and Halsted Viaduct Project.

Getting around the Goose Island area with both bridge projects under construction is likely to be difficult in the next two years.

We will continue to monitor these important infrastructure projects and make sure you have the latest updates about construction timelines and detour information.