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Thursday, October 23, 2025

Cortland Street Bridge rehab begins September 22; long-term closure planned

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Tom Carney- Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) | Chicago city website

Tom Carney- Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) | Chicago city website

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced a major rehabilitation project for the Cortland Street Bridge, set to begin on September 22, 2025. The bridge, which spans the North Branch of the Chicago River, will be closed to vehicle traffic in both directions between Mendell Street and Kingsbury Street. This closure is expected to last between 18 and 24 months.

According to CDOT, "The Cortland Street Bridge was built in the early 1900s and is the oldest bascule bridge in Chicago. The scope of the project involves replacing the bridge deck, steel floor system, and counterweights, and installing new concrete-filled grating, timber sidewalks, railings, and lighting. The bridge houses will also be rehabilitated. The project will retain the character of this historic bridge."

During construction, one sidewalk will remain open until winter 2025 to allow pedestrian access.

To manage traffic during the closure period:

- Eastbound vehicles on Cortland Street will be rerouted south on Ashland Avenue, east on North Avenue, then north on Clybourn Avenue back to Cortland Street.

- Westbound vehicles will be redirected south on Clybourn Avenue, west on North Avenue, then north on Ashland Avenue back to Cortland Street.

The rehabilitation aims to preserve the historical significance of this structure while ensuring its continued functionality for future generations.

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