The Chicago Department of Transportation announced that the DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge spanning the Chicago River will be shut down for two separate overnight periods to allow for maintenance and testing. The closures are set to begin at 10 p.m. on September 10, 2026, and will remain in effect until early the following morning, and again from 10 p.m. on September 15, 2026, through the early hours of September 16, 2026.
The bridge, a key connector on Lake Shore Drive, will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic during the specified windows. The department indicated that the work is part of routine upkeep and testing procedures intended to ensure the structure’s continued safety and functionality. No additional details on the specific nature of the maintenance activities were provided beyond the general description of upkeep and testing.
Motorists planning to travel the Lake Shore Drive corridor during the closure periods are advised to seek alternate routes. The department’s notice suggests that drivers consider using nearby crossings such as the Michigan Avenue bridge or the nearby Wacker Drive connections to avoid potential delays. Public transit users should also be aware that the bridge’s shutdown may affect bus routes that normally traverse the span.
The scheduled closures are part of the city’s broader effort to maintain critical infrastructure without disrupting daytime traffic flow. By conducting the work overnight, the department aims to minimize impact on commuters and commercial traffic. The bridge is expected to reopen early each morning following the completion of the maintenance and testing tasks, allowing normal traffic patterns to resume.