Chicago’s downtown DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge will be closed each night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Thursday and continuing through Sept. 16. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) said the overnight shutdowns are needed to trim the bridge’s center break and conduct electrical testing.
Reroute Plan for Commuters
During the nightly closures, motorists will be directed to use East Wacker Drive, North Columbus Drive and East Illinois Street. CTA bus routes #134, #135 and #136 will follow the same detour. CDOT estimates roughly 102,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day, so the temporary reroute is expected to affect a significant number of commuters.
Background on Recent Malfunction
The bridge’s recent malfunction, which left it stuck in the open position for several hours last week, was attributed to extreme heat causing the bridge’s materials to expand. That incident delayed traffic for hours and raised questions about the bridge’s reliability.
While CDOT has not confirmed whether the upcoming testing is directly related to the heat‑induced malfunction, officials emphasized that the work is part of routine maintenance to ensure the movable bridge operates safely and efficiently.
Federal Requirements and Safety Assurance
In a statement, the transportation department noted that movable bridges are “federally required to operate … for waterway navigation upon a properly submitted request.” The department declined to comment further on the decision to allow a cruise boat to pass through the bridge during the heat event.
Despite a 2024 inspection that labeled the structure as “structurally deficient,” engineers and independent experts have affirmed that the bridge is not unsafe for public use. The upcoming maintenance is intended to address any wear and to keep the bridge in compliance with federal navigation standards.
Impact on Local Residents
Local residents and commuters have expressed concern over the nightly closures, especially given the bridge’s high traffic volume. CDOT has urged drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted signage for the detour routes.
Community leaders have called for continued transparency from the department, asking that any future disruptions be communicated well in advance. The department has pledged to keep the public informed through its website and social media channels.
What’s Next
The nightly closures will conclude on Sept. 16, after which the bridge is expected to resume normal operation. CDOT will evaluate the results of the trimming and testing before determining if additional work is needed.
Commuters can stay updated on the bridge status by visiting the Chicago Department of Transportation’s website or by following its official Twitter feed.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
