Cortland Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project to Begin September 22

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today announced the start of a major rehabilitation project on the Cortland Street Bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River. Beginning September 22, 2025, Cortland Street will be closed to vehicle traffic in both directions between Mendell Street and Kingsbury Street. The closure is expected to last approximately 18-24 months. One sidewalk will remain open until winter 2025.

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.

Detour Routes:

• Eastbound Cortland Street: Traffic will be detoured southbound on Ashland Avenue, eastbound on North Avenue, and northbound on Clybourn Avenue to return to Cortland Street.
• Westbound Cortland Street: Traffic will be detoured southbound on Clybourn Avenue, westbound on North Avenue, and northbound on Ashland Avenue to return to Cortland Street.