Starting from Monday, April 28, one of Chicago's key transportation hubs—the State Street Drawbridge—will be completely closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic due to extensive renovation works. It is expected that the bridge will remain inaccessible until mid-November 2025.
According to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), the renovation will include replacing deck beams, reconstructing central locks, and additional work on the viaduct north of the bridge. These measures aim to repair damage caused by years of extreme heat and improve the alignment of the bridge.
"A recent inspection revealed deterioration of the bridge’s condition, which prompted us to expedite this repair project," — stated CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney.
Detours and alternatives:
- Motor vehicle traffic:
- Northbound: detour from northbound State Street via West Wacker Drive, North Dearborn Street, East Kinzie Street, and back onto northbound State Street.
- Southbound: detour from southbound State Street via West Kinzie Street, South Clark Street, East Wacker Drive, and back onto southbound State Street.
- Pedestrians: can use Dearborn Street or Wabash Avenue as alternative routes.
- Bicyclists: are advised to use the protected bike lane on Dearborn Street.
- Public transportation: several CTA bus routes will be affected. Detailed information is available in the official CDOT informational leaflet.
Local residents express concerns about the duration of the renovation. "Six months? It can’t last six months," — said downtown resident Lori, who was walking across the State Street bridge on Thursday.
CDOT emphasizes that conducting all works simultaneously will help avoid further impacts on traffic in 2026, when two other projects are scheduled in the city center: reconstruction of the CTA stations on State and Lake Streets and reconstruction of the Bascul Lake Street Bridge.
The State Street Bridge, built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1994, is an important city artery. Its temporary closure will require residents and visitors to adapt to new routes and changes in transportation infrastructure.
For additional information and updates regarding the State Street Bridge renovation, visit the official CDOT website.
