In fall 2025, the Chicago Department of Transportation will begin construction of the Lake Street Bascule Bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River, between Canal Street and Wacker Drive. The work will rehabilitate the 109-year-old Lake Street Bascule Bridge to continue to serve as a major corridor for transit, roadway, sidewalk, and river travel into Chicago’s Central Business District. Construction is projected to be complete in 2027.

Construction will include off-site erection and river “float in” of two bridge spans. Installation of the new bridges will require two, 12-day CTA Green and Pink line cut outages, expected in 2026. Construction crews will perform day work, and, when necessary, night work, due to elevated rail access not being available when the Green and Pink lines are in service. One leaf of the bridge will maintain moveable operation as needed throughout the project.

The Lake Street Bridge will be fully closed to vehicles and pedestrians starting this Fall for reconstruction. More details on exact timing will be provided once available.

Full Closure Detours

When the full bridge closure goes into effect this fall, the following detours will be in place:

Vehicles

• Eastbound Lake Street: Desplaines Street to Washington Street to Franklin Street to Lake Street
• Westbound Lake Street: Wacker Drive to Madison Street to Jefferson Street to Lake Street

Pedestrians

• Pedestrians will be detoured via Canal Street to Wacker Drive on Randolph Street.