The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT ) will begin work next week on the reconstruction of the Kedzie Avenue Bridge over the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal, a major commercial and industrial gateway.

“Critical infrastructure upgrades like this must be made to strengthen our neighborhoods,” said CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein. “A restored Kedzie bridge will provide improved access to the industrial and commercial areas of the Southwest Side that are a key to Chicago’s economy.”

The three-span fixed bridge, which was first built in 1909 and reconstructed in 1969, will be completely restored with a new concrete roadway deck; repaired girders, floor beams and lateral bracing; and new sidewalks with fiberglass panels.

The $5 million project is part of Building a New Chicago, a comprehensive $7.3 billion infrastructure renewal program put forward by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and is expected to support approximately 50 jobs.  The project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The construction will be performed in two phases, which will keep one vehicle lane open in each direction from March 5th until May 28th.   Afterward until November, the roadway will be completely closed while the deck is replaced and supports are repaired.  One sidewalk will remain open throughout the construction project.  

During the construction, truck traffic will be detoured to the canal bridge on Pulaski Road.  All other vehicles, including cars, buses and bicycles will be detoured to cross the canal at California Avenue.

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