Chicago Avenue Bridge reopens on interim structure after demolition
Photo: Sun-Times file
The Chicago Avenue Bridge over the north branch of the Chicago River has reopened after more than three months of demolition and reconstruction work.
Chicago Avenue reopened to traffic early Monday between Larrabee and Halsted streets, according to a statement from the Chicago Department of Transportation. The original bascule bridge, which was built in 1914, was closed for demolition on Nov. 1, 2018.
Since then, crews have torn down the old bridge and constructed an interim bridge to carry two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane of traffic over the river, according to CDOT.
Work on the construction and installation of the permanent replacement bridge is expected to start in 2021.