(Above) Partially-raised State Street Bridge on June 10, 2012. (Click on image to view larger version.)

By Steven Dahlman

Apr. 14, 2025 – The State Street Bridge over the main branch of the Chicago River will be closed “for emergency repair work” to vehicles and pedestrians starting on Monday, April 28, and continuing until mid-to-late November.

The Chicago Department of Transportation announced the full closure of the bascule bridge on April 11.

“The scope of work involves removing and replacing floor beams and rehabilitating multiple center lock components,” reads the announcement from CDOT. “Additional viaduct repairs north of the bridge will also be constructed.”

CDOT recommends vehicles northbound on State Street turn left onto Wacker Drive, right onto Dearborn Street, right onto Kinzie Street, then left back onto State Street. Southbound vehicles may turn right onto Kinzie Street, left onto Clark Street, left onto Wacker Drive, and right back onto State Street.

Pedestrians can use Dearborn Street or Wabash Avenue as alternate routes. Bicyclists can use the existing protected bike lane on Dearborn Street.