Updated: Postponed – Western Ave Closed Feb. 7-9 for Bridge Improvements

Update: The planned weekend closure of Western Avenue for bridge improvements related to the Bloomingdale Trail construction has been postponed due to weather complications and the relocation of utilities. Please click here for the updated release.

TRAFFIC ALERT
January 31, 2013

CONTACT:
CDOT Media Affairs
312.744.0707
cdotnews@cityofchicago.org

WESTERN AVENUE TO BE CLOSED NEXT WEEKEND FOR BLOOMINGDALE TRAIL BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS

Traffic to be Detoured, Overnight Demolition Work February 7-9; Bloomingdale Trail Construction in Full Swing 

The first stage of bridge improvements related to the Bloomingdale Trail construction will cause a weekend closure of Western Avenue from February 7-9, including overnight work, to remove the existing railroad bridge.

Western Avenue (2400W) will be closed to all traffic between Wabansia Avenue (1700N) and Winnebago/Cortland Avenues (1900N) during this work period, with detours for vehicles and pedestrians.

All southbound vehicular traffic, including CTA’s Western Avenue Route #49 buses, will be detoured west on Armitage Avenue, south on California Avenue and back to Western on North Avenue.  All northbound traffic will be detoured east on North, north on Damen Avenue and back to Western on Armitage. Pedestrians will be detoured to the viaducts at Artesian and Winnebago Avenues.

Crews will begin work at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 7, working around the clock to complete the process as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Western will be re-opened no later than 5 a.m. on Monday, February 10.

The current bridge in place at Western and Bloomingdale Avenues causes significant traffic bottlenecking, as concrete piers reduce four lanes to two as vehicles approach the bridge. The upcoming work is the first step for improvements to the site, including a new bridge that will allow better traffic flow on Western and create an access point to the Bloomingdale Trail, the centerpiece of The 606 rails-to-trails project.

This element of the project requires concrete removal, as well as demolition and removal of the bridge parts.  Residents living near the bridge may hear noise or feel vibrations during the weekend work period.  In the coming weeks, similar weekend roadway closures will occur at Ashland Avenue and Cortland Street and Milwaukee Avenue and Leavitt Street to remove and improve other bridges along the Bloomingdale Trail.

The 606 park and trail system is the signature project of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s push to create 800 new parks, recreation areas and green spaces throughout Chicago over the next five years.  For more information visit www.The606.org

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