Touhy Avenue bridge replacement begins April 1

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a project to replace the bridge that carries Touhy Avenue over the North Branch of the Chicago River, in Niles, will begin, weather permitting, Wednesday, April 1. ​

To complete the work, Touhy Avenue will be reduced from two lanes to one in both directions between Gross Point/Harts Road and Milwaukee Avenue. The public also should expect various lane shifts on both sides of Touhy Avenue approaching the bridge throughout the project.

The $7 million project consists of replacing the existing bridge with a new wider structure, resurfacing, improving drainage and landscaping. New sidewalks will be constructed on both sides of the bridge with a shared-use path on the westbound side. The project also includes constructing a dedicated left turn lane from westbound Touhy Avenue to Riverside Drive.

The project is anticipated to be completed in December.

The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternative routes are encouraged. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

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