The traffic snarl you encountered over the weekend is evidence that the closures of Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street in the River West neighborhood continue. Both streets were closed and the intersection torn apart months ago for reconstruction of the Halsted Street viaduct, and now the bridge over the Chicago River has been removed ahead of its replacement.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Bally’s Casino and hotel tower rise down river. Photo by Daniel Schell
The city estimates closures will be in place until summer 2026 on Halsted, and through December 2026 on Chicago Avenue. This is a busy spot; Bally’s Casino construction continues at this same intersection, and a foundation permit for the first phase of Halsted Pointe at 931 North Halsted Street was permitted in November. The full building permit hit the Chicago Data Portal on January 13, with construction expected to get underway very soon.
Looking north up what remains of Halsted Street. Photo by Daniel Schell
Looking east across Chicago Avenue. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Viaduct supports under Halsted Street on the north side of Chicago Avenue. Photo by Daniel Schell
Caution: Bridge Out. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
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Looking forward to the completion of Halsted Pointe!
Hi Daniel, Great photos – that’s our walk with the dog every morning, and I’ve taken a similar shot or two next to the east bridge tower. It was cool to see the bridge floating on the barge on the west retaining wall during demo.
A few questions for you:
– Did I read that correctly that Halsted will reopen sometime this summer? It would be great for the 8-bus route.
– Any additional insight into when they will get to work on the Halstead Pointe phase 1? We’ve been seeing them move dirt since the holiday season, so I’m guessing it’s gotta be very soon
– Lastly, I recall one of the north branchworks Zoom meetings, the discussion around the removal of the pedestrian bridge from Halsted Pointe. Do you have any insight into one at either the casino site of Halsted Pointe? It would be great to increase access across the river and tie it into the new west side riverwalks in these later phases.
Sad to see those bridge towers go, but it’s probably time. Thanks!
GQ
Thank you for the kind words.
-You read correctly that the city *plans* to have Halsted Street open before summer ends. We’ll have to wait and see how that works out.
-I, like most of us, hoped Halsted Pointe would have started by now. The foundation permit is more than 3 months old.
-No answer for you on the bridge situations.
I am guessing Halstead Pointe can do foundation without concrete. Even though you can see the plant from the site I am guessing they are waiting for the bridge to drive it over. Cause using trucks on a barge, a crane, and one of those large funnel buckets is probably out of scope.
Also, Alderman is now saying that Chi Bridge “target” open in Jan 2027.
I believe that construction site can still be accessed from the north off Division Street.
Are they restoring the bridge house?
I was thinking they really should have kept it or moved it somewhere nearby
I used the east bank riverwalk a few times. It goes under the bridge, and you could view the old lift machinery, not working anymore. It was kind of cool to look at. Gone.