State Street bridge hits pause for a much-needed makeover

Chicago’s State Street bridge is officially taking a break, and no, it’s not heading to the suburbs to "find itself." The iconic double-decker is closing for a much-needed glow-up, halting traffic and sparking commuter outrage like a detour designed by chaos itself. Whether on foot, bike, or clinging to your last shred of gridlock patience, brace yourself: Chicago’s daily hustle just hit a plot twist.

The bridge will be officially closed to all traffic beginning on April 28, with city officials estimating that the overhaul will extend into mid-November.  According to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), the project involves replacing floor beams damaged by extreme heat, rehabilitating the center lock component, conducting viaduct repairs north of the bridge, and providing some long-overdue TLC for the century-old beauty that has been carrying her weight (literally) since 1949. 

CDOT spokesperson Erica Schroeder said in an email to Channel 5’s David Struett, “Impacts to the Riverwalk are expected to be minimal, as the majority of work will take place in the center of the bridge.”

CDOT has announced the following detour routes:

• Northbound vehicular traffic: From northbound State St, detour to westbound Wacker Dr, to northbound Dearborn St, to eastbound Kinzie St, back to northbound State St.

• Southbound vehicular traffic: From southbound State St, detour to westbound Kinzie St, to southbound Clark St, to eastbound Wacker Dr, back to southbound State St.

• Pedestrians can use Dearborn Street or Wabash Avenue as alternate routes.

• Bicyclists can use the existing protected bike lane on Dearborn Street.

• CTA reroutes are currently being finalized.

Follow the link for a map of the construction zone and the detour routes provided by Chicago Construction News. 

According to public records obtained by Channel 5 News’ David Struett from the state transportation department report, a routine inspection in September 2024 found the bridge structurally deficient, prompting its closure.

The State Transportation Department explains that “structurally deficient” does not mean the bridge is unsafe. However, it indicates that the bridge's load-bearing parts are in “poor or worse condition due to deterioration and/or damage.” The State Street bridge accommodates 7,000 vehicles daily, primarily heavy trucks. 

While the work may cause a few headaches in the short term, the city says it’s essential to keep the historic span functioning safely and smoothly for decades to come.