Chicago drivers and transit riders are in for a bumpy weekend as seasonal river bridge lifts return and several big events shut down key streets. The Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K will start and finish on Columbus Drive this Sunday, May 17, while the city's spring "boat run" sends movable bridges skyward beginning Saturday morning. Expect early morning lane closures around Grant Park and rolling bridge stoppages downtown as organizers and the city juggle traffic flows.
Spring bridge lifts return
The city's annual spring "boat run" begins Saturday, with movable bridges raised in sequence so recreational boats can move from winter storage yards to Lake Michigan. As reported by Time Out, the spring lifts cover 27 bridges from South Ashland Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive and typically start on Saturdays at about 8 a.m., with each lift taking roughly 8 to 12 minutes. Drivers should plan for short, rolling stoppages at river crossings and think through alternate ways to get across the river during the morning run.
Half marathon shuts lanes on Columbus Drive
The Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon leads Sunday's street disruptions, with the half set to start at 7 a.m. and the 10K at 7:45 a.m., both beginning and ending on Columbus Drive, according to CBS Chicago. City and race advisories outline a string of early morning closures affecting Monroe, Randolph and Columbus, including Monroe closed in all lanes from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Columbus from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m., Columbus northbound lanes closed from Randolph to Monroe until noon, southbound lanes restricted from Randolph to Monroe from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m., Columbus blocked between Monroe and Jackson early Sunday, and additional Randolph exit and intermediate lane closures during the morning, as detailed by CBS Chicago.
North Side fests mean detours in Andersonville and Lincoln Park
Neighborhood parties will bring their own traffic tangle. Lincoln Park Mayfest runs May 15 to 17 along Armitage and will close Armitage between Racine and Sheffield, according to listings on Choose Chicago. Renegade Craft Fair will take over Clark Street between Bryn Mawr and Edgewater, and the Lincoln Roscoe Art & Craft Fair will occupy Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and Melrose, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Drivers should anticipate heavier foot traffic, temporary no parking zones and vendor setups that squeeze local streets near stages and market blocks.
How to get around
Race organizers are urging runners, spectators and anyone heading downtown to lean on public transit, rideshares or reserved parking instead of circling for street spots. The race's athlete guide highlights CTA and Metra options, rideshare drop off points, early packet pickup and details on how to navigate the start area. If you have to drive, consider reserving a space with Millennium Garages, which lists discounted race day parking and recommends the Grant Park North and Lakeside garages for race access, to avoid hunting for a spot near the finish line. Whatever your plan, leave earlier than usual, expect Saturday morning bridge delays and keep an eye on official event accounts for any last minute tweaks.
