Granite Construction has started work on the long-anticipated rehabilitation of Chicago’s historic Lake Street Bascule Bridge — a $138 million project commissioned by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). The century-old bridge, which connects the city’s bustling downtown with the Near West Side, will undergo a comprehensive overhaul to improve safety, reliability, and mobility for thousands of daily commuters.
Built in 1916, the Lake Street Bridge serves as a critical transportation link, carrying both vehicular and elevated train traffic across the Chicago River. The rehabilitation project will include the replacement of mechanical and electrical components, structural steel repairs, resurfacing of the bridge deck, and modernization of control systems — all while maintaining the bridge’s original architectural character.
Granite will also upgrade pedestrian and cyclist pathways, aligning the design with Chicago’s Vision Zero plan for safer streets. Work began in September 2025 and is scheduled for completion in late 2027, with most of the construction occurring in carefully phased stages to minimize traffic disruptions.
“Preserving Chicago’s historic infrastructure while preparing it for the future is at the heart of this project,” said a CDOT spokesperson. “The Lake Street Bridge is an iconic part of our city’s skyline and an essential part of our transit system.”
The project also supports local economic development. Granite expects to hire union tradespeople from the Chicago region, contributing to a workforce of over 200 during peak construction.
Once complete, the bridge will offer smoother, safer passage for vehicles, pedestrians, and CTA trains, while ensuring the historic double-deck structure continues to operate efficiently for decades to come.
Additionally, Chicago is pursuing massive infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of O’Hare International Airport, which is scheduled for completion by 2034.
Factsheet: Lake Street Bridge Rehabilitation
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Total Cost: $138 million
Contractor: Granite Construction
Client: Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)
Bridge Type: Double-deck bascule (movable) bridge
Built: 1916
Start Date: September 2025
Estimated Completion: Late 2027
Jobs Created: 200 construction jobs
Key Improvements: Structural repairs, new mechanical systems, deck resurfacing, safety upgrades
