Michigan Avenue transformed into disaster site for movie fun

July 16, 2010 – The ancient struggle between extraterrestrial clans of robots moved to Michigan Avenue on Friday. Scenes were filmed with actors running through a street littered with debris and damaged vehicles. At least until 8 p.m., pedestrians could walk along Lower Michigan Avenue. Access to the upper level was limited but not impossible.

Filming will continue on Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. Stunt performers will parachute from a helicopter sometime before 10 a.m.

Michigan Avenue will re-open on Monday at 5 a.m. Wacker Drive will then close between Michigan Avenue and Wabash Avenue from 11 p.m. on Sunday to 5 a.m. on Thursday. Filming will be in front of Hotel 71, where fake debris was deposited on Friday.

Next Friday, Wacker Drive will close at 8 p.m. between Wabash and State Street for filming in front of 35 East Wacker Drive.

(Left) Vehicles are piled onto the Michigan Avenue Bridge near Tribune Tower. Click on any image to view larger version.

(Right) A Buick sits wrecked in the median of Michigan Avenue on Friday afternoon, part of the set for Transformers 3, being filmed on the Magnificent Mile through Sunday. In the background, a pickup truck is flipped on its side. Behind that, more movie mayhem.

The Michigan Avenue Bridge is closed due to an Evanston Taxi colliding with a car burned beyond recognition. On the side of the taxi is a fake telephone number with the non-existent “555” prefix commonly used in movies.

Debris on the steps of the Tribune Tower.

The fire department’s “search & rescue” vehicle, unit E4 we’re guessing.

Another wrecked car in front of the Tribune Tower.

(Left) A movie camera attached to a crane, attached to a vehicle, turns right onto Illinois Street. Photos by Steven Dahlman.