The Chicago Avenue bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River will remain closed to vehicle traffic through Friday, Nov. 7. The bridge was damaged after it was struck by a passing barge Tuesday afternoon, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.
A barge pushed by a commercial tugboat struck the bridge around 4 p.m. Tuesday. The barge made contact with the underside of the bridge structure, damaging some of the steel. The barge suffered minor damage.
New steel needed to be fabricated for the damaged bridge. CDOT crews will begin installation today, according to Brian Steele, spokesman for CDOT. Several sections need to be replaced.
CDOT engineers and inspectors surveyed the bridge and determined that, as a safety precaution, the bridge should remain closed while crews perform repair work.
During the closure, traffic will be detoured at Halsted and Larrabee. Detour routes include Division Street and Grand Avenue.
The Chicago Avenue bridge is a Chicago-style trunnion bascule bridge originally constructed in 1914.
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