USD/BTC = $112,725
Block 921,260
TL:DRGranite Construction Inc. on Tuesday `said it has started construction on an almost $138 million bridge rehabilitation project' for the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).
The CDOT awarded the contract for a revamp of Chicago's Lake Street Bascule Bridge to Granite in March 2025, according to city contract documents.
‘The existing 109-year-old double-deck, double-leaf, trunnion moveable bridge is considered a city landmark and carries vehicles and pedestrians, as well as Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and train lines, across the Chicago River. ` As part of the project, Granite said, the completed bridge will look the same as the current bridge, preserving its historic aesthetic.
As part of Granite's scope of work, according to CDOT documents, the contractor will:
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Construct new bridge leaves (moveable sections of the bridge) off site;
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Replace the upper and lower level framing systems, including floor beams, stringers, tracks, sidewalks, deck and railing;
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Replace truss members between certain floor beams;
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Repair truss members in the heel portion between certain floor beams;
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Rehab substructure, including replacement of the rear break and finger-joint roadway center break with a standard center break;
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Install new CTA tracks, ties, walkways and other equipment on the bridge's upper level;
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Repair counterweight pits, river piers, fender system and dolphins (protective structures);
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Fabricate and erect the truss river arm;
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Rehab the bridge houses, including replacement of pedestrian railing and lighting with historically accurate and code-compliant elements;
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Replace electrical equipment, including a new submarine cable, new inverters, controllers, motors, limit switches and rectifiers, new navigation lighting and roadway and pedestrian gates; and
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Replace or rehab mechanical components, including the center lock, heel lock, motor and machinery brakes, motors and barrier gates.
During construction, Granite said, at least one bridge leaf must remain operable as per federal regulations and the United States Coast Guard.
As part of the project, according to city contract documents, the participation goals `are that 26% of the contract value go to minority business enterprises, 6% go to women's business enterprises and 1% go to veteran-owned businesses.’
Construction is expected to be complete in late 2027."This collaboration with CDOT to rehabilitate one of Chicago's century-old, iconic movable bridges underscores Granite's strategic commitment to the Chicago market," said Granite Vice President of Regional Operations, Michael Punches.
"By leveraging our specialized expertise in movable bridge rehabilitation, we continue to deliver lasting value to the City's infrastructure," Punches said.
My Thoughts 💭
Iconic bridge project! Hopefully they hit there target completion date. The city of Chicago should be thrilled this much needed rehabilitation work is taking place!