Wells Street Bridge closes Monday for 1 year

October 31, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A yearlong reconstruction project will shut down the Wells Street Bridge over the Chicago River.

The bridge will be closed on November 5, 2012. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains that run above the bridge will not be interrupted- except during two 9-day periods next spring -- in March and April 2013 -- as the CTA rebuilds the junction at Lake and Wells streets. That CTA Loop "L" is called Tower 18.

The Wells Street Bridge is a key feeder into the Loop for cars, trains, bikes and pedestrians. Wells Street Bridge detours (PDF) map

"It has been in service since 1922," CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein said.

The reconstruction project will preserve the 1920s look of the bridge, but trusses and steel framing will be replaced, as will the mechanical and electrical components.

Traffic will be rerouted to the LaSalle and Clark Street bridges over the Chicago River. The bicycle lane will also be rerouted to the Clark Street Bridge.

The CTA No. 11 and No. 125 buses will be rerouted via Kinzie, LaSalle and Wacker back to Wells.

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