Construction is underway on a $138 million rehabilitation of the historic Lake Street Bascule Bridge, one of Chicago’s most recognizable pieces of infrastructure. The project, awarded by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and led by Granite Construction (NYSE: GVA), marks a major investment in the city’s century-old transportation network.

Built in 1916, the double-deck, double-leaf bascule bridge carries vehicles, pedestrians, and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses on its lower level, while CTA’s Green and Pink Line trains travel on the upper deck. The rehabilitation aims to preserve the bridge’s distinctive architecture while ensuring it meets modern transportation and safety standards.

Granite’s scope of work includes replacing the double-decked trunnion bascule bridge structure over the Chicago River, rehabilitating substructures, replacing upper-level CTA tracks, and upgrading the bridge’s mechanical and electrical systems. The project also includes restoration of the bridge houses to maintain their historic character. Go to Chicago Construction News for the full article!