Transformers get the day off

23-Jul-10 – (Above) A Chicago police officer guards fake debris – including bicycles, traffic lights, lampposts, patio umbrellas, file cabinets, car bumpers, and a child safety seat – that was neatly piled along Wacker Drive Thursday morning.

It was quiet on Wacker Thursday and Friday, but action resumes on Saturday near 35 East Wacker Drive. Cameras will get into position at 8 a.m. Filming will continue until 8 p.m. on Saturday and then again on Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Chicago Office of Emergency Management says to expect explosions, fireballs, smoke, and simulated gunfire, supervised by the Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Department. An aerial photography unit will be flying near the Chicago River.

Wacker Drive will be closed between Wabash Avenue and State Street, and Wabash will be closed between Wacker Drive and Lake Street, from 8:00 p.m. on Friday to 5:00 a.m. on Monday.

(Above) A closer view of the debris, which is probably Styrofoam, painted to look like concrete. (Click on images to view larger versions.)