Serving the Loop and Near North neighborhoods of downtown Chicago
Wells Street Bridge open for next six weeks

March 11, 2013 – After being entirely closed to traffic for nine days, the Wells Street Bridge opened Monday morning with the first CTA train testing the tracks at 4:24 a.m. Brown and Purple Line schedules should be back to normal at least until April 26.

That is when CTA rail service will be interrupted again for nine days as the north end of the bridge is replaced. Early on March 6, a new south leaf was secured to the bridge. Each leaf weighs about 500,000 pounds.

Except for L trains, the bridge has been closed to traffic since November 5, 2012. It should re-open completely by November 2013.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

(Above) Moored to a Poseidon barge on the Chicago River, the 89-foot 2400-horsepower tugboat Buckley assists with the Wells Street Bridge renovation project on March 6. Based in Chicago, the Buckley operates throughout the Great Lakes. The 78-foot tug James J. Versluis, owned by the City of Chicago, passes in the background. (Click on image to view larger version.)

 More images: 91-year-old gets new moving parts

Mortgage rates hit 7.28%, tightening squeeze on North Side buyers
Mortgage rates hit 7.28%, tightening squeeze on North Side buyers
Former Royal Sonesta quietly rebrands as Hotel 505 following sale to Canadian developer
Former Royal Sonesta quietly rebrands as Hotel 505 following sale to Canadian developer
Goodbye, 5% mortgages: Rate creep and inventory slump pinch Chicago buyers
Goodbye, 5% mortgages: Rate creep and inventory slump pinch Chicago buyers
Crossing the river: A Chicago fan’s game-day guide to the Chiefs’ new home in KCK
Crossing the river: A Chicago fan’s game-day guide to the Chiefs’ new home in KCK
Cook County homeowners bear brunt of $744M tax hike as commercial values lag
Cook County homeowners bear brunt of $744M tax hike as commercial values lag
Why Cook County’s senior property tax freeze should be automatic—and permanent
Why Cook County’s senior property tax freeze should be automatic—and permanent
Mayor’s ‘PRO’ renter ordinance could backfire with higher rents, landlords warn
Mayor’s ‘PRO’ renter ordinance could backfire with higher rents, landlords warn
Data center redevelopment at 300 West Adams approved
Data center redevelopment at 300 West Adams approved
At CTA stop, Bailey pledges SAFE-T Act repeal and property tax cap
At CTA stop, Bailey pledges SAFE-T Act repeal and property tax cap
Court backs City Hall in Streeterville pot shop ruling
Court backs City Hall in Streeterville pot shop ruling
ChicagoFilming.com Chicago MLS Pro Aqua Condo Homes Marina City Condo Homes West Town Condos Chicago MLS Pro