Lake Street Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation
The Chicago Department of Transportation Lake Street Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation project is currently underway in the construction phase.
About the Bridge
The existing Lake Street Bridge was erected in 1916, making it 110 years old! The bridge itself is a double-leaf double-decker trunnion-style bascule bridge over the Chicago River. The Chicago Transit Authority's green and pink lines are on the top level, and the vehicle roadway and the sidewalk are on the lower level.
Project Scope
Located in downtown Chicago's Central Business District, the project includes pre-assembly and "float-in" of the new bridge spans to be installed in place during two 12-day CTA train service outages. The project also includes full removal and replacement of the electrical operating system for both spans, mechanical refurbishment, 2 new historically preserved bridge houses, new CTA track facilities on the top level, and new roadway and sidewalks on the lower level. Construction started with a full roadway closure in late summer. Steel fabrication, West house construction, and preparation for the first of two 12-day outages are currently underway. The First of two 12-day bridge floats in outages is planned for the Fall of 2026, and the second in the Spring of 2027. Project substantial completion is anticipated in early 2028. One bridge leaf will remain operational throughout the project's duration for CDOT boat runs, and outside the two 12-day outages, CTA service will be maintained.
Fun Facts
- Each float-in leaf weighs approximately one million pounds.
- Over 5,000 bolts will be installed in the first 12-day shutdown.
- Did we mention the bridge is 110 years old?!
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