September 26, 2025

Alderman Reilly Reports

Chicago Ave Bridge Project Update to Alleviate Vehicular Traffic

Work continues to replace the Chicago Avenue Bridge. Demolition of the bridge will continue over the next month. In areas where demolition is complete, crews will begin constructing new bridge piers.

Alderman Reilly has heard residents' concerns about increased traffic and congestion in River North due to the ongoing construction projects in the area, including the Chicago Avenue Bridge project. To help alleviate congestion in the area bounded by Chicago Ave, Orleans St, Grand Ave, and the Chicago River, Alderman Reilly has coordinated with CDOT to install “Local Traffic Only” signage around the boundary of this geographic area. Southbound traffic will now be detoured to LaSalle St, and northbound traffic will be detoured to Orleans St to avoid traffic congestion near the Chicago Ave & Halsted St intersection.

To assist drivers, traffic control aides will be placed on Kingsbury at the intersections of Grand Ave, Ontario St, and Chicago Ave from 3-7pm starting Monday, September 29. These measures will be in place until October 17. A full closure of the bridge will start on September 29. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Click here for more information on the project.

Lake Street Bascule Bridge Upcoming Closure

Full street and sidewalk closures on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge will go into effect October 6 and will last until January 2028. During the closures, access to nearby buildings and residences will be maintained for both pedestrians and vehicles. Eastbound traffic will be rerouted south on Des Plaines, east on Washington, north on Franklin, and east onto Lake St. Westbound traffic will be rerouted south on Wacker, west on Madison, north on Jefferson, and west onto Lake St. Click here for the full detour map. During this work, CTA Green and Pink lines will operate normally until September 2026.

The work on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is expected to be completed in January 2028.

Ohio Place Dog Park Closing September 29

for Re-Seeding

Alderman Reilly has authorized a portion of his Aldermanic Menu Funding for the re-seeding of Ohio Place Dog Park. Starting Monday, September 29, the Ohio Place Dog Park will begin a four-week re-seeding process. The Park will be temporarily closed to allow the new grass to grow undisturbed.

The new clover grass seed mix that will be planted will naturally fertilize the soil. This mix grows more effectively in shaded areas than other grasses–making it the best choice for Ohio Place Dog Park.

Due to the high costs of the project, this will be the last time that Aldermanic Menu Funding will be allocated for re-seeding at this park. We request that you please keep your dogs off the grass during the four-week growing period so all residents can enjoy new grass once the park has reopened.

Closure signs have been placed on the park’s gates in anticipation of the upcoming closure and will remain in place until the park reopens. We encourage all residents to use the Larrabee Street Dog Park during the closure.

Adduci Sculpture Relocated to

North Side of Kinzie & LaSalle

On Thursday, September 25, the Adduci sculpture previously on the island at the corner of State & Lake was moved to the north side of Kinzie & LaSalle. The sculpture was relocated due to the ongoing construction on the State / Lake CTA station. The sculpture was transported around 11pm on Thursday night to limit disruptions to traffic and nearby residents.

The sculpture will remain at the corner of Kinzie & LaSalle until the construction is completed at the State / Lake CTA station, which is estimated to be finished in 2029. Please see below for a photo of the sculpture in its new location.

Alderman Reilly's Statement on the Passing of Thomas Jefferson Baldwin

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Thomas Jefferson Baldwin. Known simply as Tommy to many, he was a familiar face in South Streeterville. Despite facing immense hardship as an unhoused individual, Tommy always found a way to brighten the lives of those around him.

Over the years, Tommy became a beloved part of the community and a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. His presence will be deeply missed.

My thoughts are with his loved ones and with all of our neighbors who are feeling the impact of his loss.”

Development Proposal: 669 North Michigan Ave

A 56-story mixed-use tower is proposed for the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Erie Street. Plans call for 498 residential units and 26,531 square feet of retail located on the ground and second floors. The project includes 199 off-street parking spaces with garage access through the existing curb cut on Erie Street.

Service functions will be reached from the alley on the east side of the site. A majority of the building's ground floor east elevation would be set back five feet from the property line, effectively widening the alley from 14 feet to 19 feet wide, improving circulation for delivery trucks and neighboring properties. Three enclosed loading berths, a dedicated trash compactor berth, and 200 bicycle parking spaces are included.

The proposal retains the mature street trees along Michigan Avenue and incorporates additional landscaping along Erie Street to enhance the pedestrian experience. The building is designed to meet LEED sustainability standards and to support walking, biking, and transit use. Click on the following links to review project details and traffic study.

This project represents continued private investment along the Magnificent Mile and supports efforts to keep Michigan Avenue an active and attractive corridor for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The proposal will be reviewed at an upcoming Chicago Plan Commission meeting and requires subsequent City Council approval. As part of Alderman Reilly’s transparent community review process, your comments and observations are welcome. Please click here to provide your feedback on 42nd Ward developments.

CAPS Meetings

18th District: (312-742-5778 / CAPS.018District@chicagopolice.org)

There are no scheduled beat meetings for this district for the remainder of the month.

1st District: (312-745-4381 / CAPS.001District@chicagopolice.org)

Beat 114 CAPS meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 1 at 337 E Randolph St.

To find your appropriate beat to attend your CAPS meeting, please click here.

Pin & Link Project:

Randolph, Columbus, & Stetson

CDOT's joint rehab work is ongoing along Randolph Street, Columbus Drive, and Stetson Avenue. Please see details below for the ongoing construction and closures.

General Construction Schedule:

7:00am - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday; with the occasional extension to 5:30pm as needed.

9/22 - 9/26 and 9/29 - 10/3:

Columbus Drive (Wacker Dr to Randolph St):
Work along center lanes of Columbus on intermediate and lower levels
Access Impacts:
Center lane and median closures (driveway access to be maintained)
Pedestrian detours around sidewalk work areas
Randolph Street (Columbus Dr to Field Blvd):
Work along the north side of Randolph on intermediate and lower levels
Access Impacts:
North curb lane closure and parking restrictions (driveway access to be maintained)
Pedestrian detours around the sidewalk work areas.
Randolph Street (Stetson Ave to Field Blvd):
Work along south side of Randolph on intermediate level
Access Impacts:
South curb lane closure and parking restrictions (driveway access to be maintained)
Pedestrian detours around the sidewalk work areas

Additional details about the ongoing Pin & Link project will be provided in future weekly updates.

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Hubbard St Oktoberfest

Tomorrow, September 27, a portion of Hubbard St will be closed for the Hubbard Haus Oktoberfest celebration. Hubbard St will be closed from noon-9pm between LaSalle St and Clark St. The event is free to attend and will consist of traditional German and Chicago-inspired food and festivities for people of all ages.

State / Lake CTA Station Upgrade

CDOT and CTA continue work to transform the 108-year-old CTA train station at State & Lake. The work will affect the CTA bus routes listed here. Soon, early morning site survey will begin on the roadway and sidewalk, which will require the bridge to be lifted from 10pm-5am each day. The dates for these lifts are not yet set--stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates.

The CTA train station will remain open, and access to surrounding businesses will be maintained throughout construction. The new station is expected to be finished in 2029.

830 N Michigan Façade Work

Contractors are completing work on the façade at 830 N Michigan Ave. During work, a temporary sidewalk closure will be in place until approximately October 31. The façade will be fully enclosed with a temporary wall, allowing a portion of the sidewalk in front of 830 N Michigan to remain open to pedestrians.

Street Resurfacing - Wabash Ave from Wacker Dr to Balbo Dr

CDOT continues work on Wabash Avenue from Wacker Drive to East Balbo Drive. The work is a part of the CDOT's Arterial Street Resurfacing Project.

The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement, milling and paving the existing asphalt, and striping improvements. During construction, temporary "No Parking" signs will be periodically installed. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions on construction closures.

Work is estimated to be completed by October 31, 2025.

Ohio Street I-90/94 Feeder Ramp Resurfacing

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) continues to perform work on the outbound lanes of the Ohio Street feeder ramp. Only two lanes will be closed at a time. IDOT is not required to adhere to the construction schedule outlined by the Chicago municipal code. The project is estimated to be in progress until late 2025.

676 North Michigan Avenue Façade Project

Redmond Construction was hired to complete a façade project at 676 North Michigan Avenue. Currently, the following closures are in-place:

Sidewalk on the south side of Huron, from Michigan Avenue to a point 150' west thereof
Curb lane on the south side of Huron, from Michigan Avenue to a point 150' west thereof is being used as a pedestrian walkway
Partial sidewalk closure the west side of Michigan, from Huron to a point 100' south thereof

This project is expected to be completed by fall 2025.

State Street Bridge Project

CDOT continues structural repair work on the State Street Bridge. Throughout the project, the bridge will remain closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. State Street will remain open on both sides of the bridge during construction, and vehicles crossing the river will be rerouted to Clark Street and Dearborn Street.

The project is expected to be completed at the beginning of December 2025.

River North Lighting Project

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has completed new light pole installation in the area bounded by Chicago, Ontario, Orleans, and the river. CDOT continues to restore infrastructure trenching.