The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has completed the construction and opened for traffic today two new bridges on Kedzie Avenue over the North and South Lagoons of historic Marquette Park on the City’s Southwest Side.

The $6.15 million project rebuilt two deteriorated bridges on Kedzie Avenue near 67th and 71st Streets, and created 80 jobs as part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Building a New Chicago infrastructure renewal program.  

“Critical infrastructure upgrades, like the bridges in Marquette Park, must be made to strengthen our neighborhoods,” said CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein. “These new bridges improve access to the park, which is a key element of the quality of life of families on the Southwest Side.”

The CDOT-led project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.  The construction was performed by F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates of Chicago.

The old bridges were originally built in 1933, and were replaced due to their deteriorated condition.

The scope of work included the removal and replacement of the bridge superstructures and reconstruction of the roadway between the bridges. Improvements also include a new sidewalk connecting the north and south bridges on the west side, ADA accessible ramps, and upgraded lighting and drainage.

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