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Chicago Avenue bridge reopening delayed to spring 2027

Chicago Avenue bridge reopening delayed to spring 2027

Built World Chicago, IL local

Concurrent closures on the North Side and Downtown draw aldermanic criticism of transportation department

Today: Block Club reports bridge delay to spring 2027

Overview

Updated 2 hours ago

The Chicago Avenue bridge, closed since 2025, will now reopen in spring 2027, Chicago transportation officials said. The project had been scheduled to finish in December 2026.

The delay adds to congestion from concurrent closures of the Lake and Cortland street bridges. Aldermen criticized the Chicago Department of Transportation for poor planning and communication at a budget hearing.

Why it matters

Commuters on Chicago's North Side and Downtown face years of detours as multiple bridge projects lag, testing public patience and political accountability.

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Key Indicators

4
River bridges closed concurrently
Lake, State, Chicago, and Cortland street bridges were all closed to car traffic in 2025.
3
Bridges still closed as of Oct 2026
State Street reopened; Chicago, Cortland, and Lake Street remain affected.
Spring 2027
New expected reopening for Chicago Avenue bridge
Delayed from December 2026.
End of 2028
Expected completion for Cortland Street bridge
CDOT alternative approach after landmark threat.

Voices

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People Involved

Brendan Reilly
Brendan Reilly
Alderman, 42nd Ward
Criticizing CDOT over bridge project management
 Walter Burnett
Walter Burnett
Alderman, 27th Ward
Calling for better communication from CDOT
WC
William Cheaks
Commissioner, Chicago Department of Transportation
Managing bridge projects and defending timelines
AZ
Anne Zhang
Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Transportation
Explaining causes of bridge delay
BH
Brian Hopkins
Alderman, 2nd Ward
Backed off threat to strip Cortland bridge landmark status

Organizations Involved

Chicago Department of Transportation
Chicago Department of Transportation
City government department
Managing bridge and viaduct projects amid criticism

The city agency responsible for Chicago's streets, bridges, and transportation infrastructure.
Chicago City Council
Chicago City Council
Legislative body
Holding budget hearings; aldermen pressuring CDOT

The legislative branch of Chicago city government, composed of 50 aldermen.

Timeline

2025 October 2026

9 events Latest: Today
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Block Club reports bridge delay to spring 2027

    Today Report

    Article details aldermanic frustration and concurrent bridge closures.

  2. CDOT announces Chicago Avenue bridge delay to spring 2027

    Announcement

    Commissioner cites railroad and easement issues; Halsted viaduct still on track.

  3. Aldermen criticize CDOT at budget hearing

    Reaction

    Reilly calls handling a 'massive bureaucratic failure'; Burnett cites poor communication.

  4. CTA service resumes over Lake Street bridge

    Transit

    Green and Pink Line trains return; bridge fully reopens to cars by January 2028.

  5. CDOT proposes alternative Cortland rehab, completion by 2028

    Plan

    Hopkins backs off landmark rescission threat after CDOT commitment.

  6. Cortland Street project delayed indefinitely

    Setback

    Maintenance issues found; aldermen move to strip landmark status.

  7. City releases timeline for December 2026 completion

    Announcement

    Press release sets December 2026 deadline for full bridge and viaduct project.

  8. Cortland Street bridge closes for rehabilitation

    Construction

    Long-term rehab begins; bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists.

  9. Chicago Avenue bridge and Halsted viaduct close

    Construction

    Bridge and viaduct shut for replacement; project expected to finish December 2026.

Scenarios

1

Chicago Avenue bridge reopens by spring 2027

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: CDOT, Block Club Chicago

CDOT says the bridge will open by spring 2027 after replacing the temporary span with a permanent tied-arch bridge and completing the viaduct. The department cites railroad and easement issues as causes for the delay from December 2026.

2

Chicago Avenue bridge reopening slips again, past 2027

Possible Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Aldermen and neighborhood groups skeptical of CDOT timelines

Aldermen criticized CDOT for poor communication and missed deadlines. If railroad or easement issues persist, another delay could push reopening to late 2027 or 2028.

3

City Council holds formal hearing on CDOT bridge management

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Aldermen Reilly and Burnett

Reilly called the handling a 'massive bureaucratic failure' and Burnett complained about communication. If pressure continues, a council committee could hold a hearing on the concurrent closures.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1991-2007

Boston Big Dig (1991-2007)

Boston's Central Artery/Tunnel project buried an elevated highway and built new tunnels. It ran billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule, causing sustained traffic disruption.

Then

Traffic congestion persisted during construction; costs mounted.

Now

The project eventually improved traffic flow but became a symbol of megaproject mismanagement.

Why this matters now

Shows how large infrastructure projects can miss deadlines and budgets, fueling public frustration with agencies like CDOT.

August 2007 - September 2008

I-35W bridge collapse and rebuild (2007-2008)

The I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis collapsed during rush hour, killing more than a dozen people. The state rebuilt the bridge in about 13 months.

Then

The rapid rebuild restored a critical artery and became a model for fast-track construction.

Now

The collapse triggered nationwide bridge inspections and increased infrastructure spending.

Why this matters now

Contrasts with the multi-year Chicago closures, showing that urgency can accelerate repairs when political will exists.

Sources

(2)
Block Club Chicago City of Chicago