The State Street Bridge, an enduring Chicago landmark spanning the Chicago River since 1949, is set to close for over six months as city officials launch emergency repairs in response to critical structural deterioration. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that construction will begin on April 28 and continue through mid-November, according to CBS News.
The decision follows an alarming inspection, which revealed that some of the bridge's load-bearing components were in “poor or worse condition” due to damage and prolonged wear. While officials emphasize that the bridge is not currently deemed unsafe, its “structurally deficient” status, assigned after a September 2024 inspection, spurred an accelerated repair timeline.
“Crews will repair floor beams and other parts of the bridge that have been damaged by extreme heat,” CDOT spokesperson Erica Schroeder told NBC Chicago. The repairs will not only restore structural integrity but also improve the alignment between the bridge’s two leaves and make enhancements to the adjacent viaducts. Pedestrian access to the nearby Riverwalk will remain largely unaffected, but significant detours for motorists and pedestrians are expected.
With nearly 7,000 vehicles traversing the bridge daily, including substantial truck traffic, the closure is set to impact thousands of commuters. Alternate routes have been established. Northbound traffic will be rerouted to Wacker Drive, then to Dearborn Street, and back to State Street via Kinzie Street. Southbound traffic will be detoured along Kinzie Street to Clark Street, then to Wacker Drive to return to State Street. Pedestrians are encouraged to use the Dearborn Street or Wabash Avenue bridges, and cyclists can utilize the protected bike lane on Dearborn Street.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is still finalizing adjustments to affected bus routes. CDOT assures that full reroute details will be released in advance to minimize disruption.
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