The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is asking residents to share their feedback through a short community survey regarding Electric Vehicle (EV) and e-mobility infrastructure improvements in Chicago. The results will guide future decisions and investments to support a more equitable and sustainable future for Chicago residents.
Fall bridge lifts, coordinated by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), began Saturday, September 27, with the raising of river bridges from S Ashland Ave to Lake Shore Drive. Bridge lifts begin at 9:00 am on weekends and 9:30 am on weekdays.
Each year, in the spring and fall, CDOT raises the movable bridges along the Main and South Branches of the Chicago River on a twice-weekly schedule on Saturdays and Wednesdays to accommodate recreational boats traveling to and from their storage yards. During these “boat runs,” the bridges are typically raised one at a time, with each bridge lift taking an average of 8-12 minutes. A total of 27 bridges are lifted in succession.Survey: Chicago Department of Transportation Electric Vehicle and Mobility Infrastructure Framework
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.
We encourage all residents to participate in their CAPS Beat Meeting. This is an opportunity for you to engage with your Beat Officers.
What is CAPS? CAPS stands for Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy. CAPS is a partnership between police and community that is the foundation of community policing. CAPS uses Beats to develop relationships between the community and the police.
CAPS meetings offer city residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which help the police to monitor crime issues. The beat meeting is a chance to meet your neighbors and come up with strategies that affect the community.
To find your District & Beat, click HERE.
Nov 11 (Tuesday): Beats 1822/1823 5:00 pm. and 6:00 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 542 W. Hobbie Street
Nov 13 (Thursday): Beats 1821/1824 5:00 pm. and 6:00 p.m. at Clark Street Apartments 1201 N. Clark Street
Nov 18 (Tuesday): Beats 1831/1832 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Anti Cruelty 510 N. LaSalle. Note change in address.
Nov 20 (Thursday): Beats 1833/1834 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Northwestern University – 303 E. Superior Street.
Nov 25 (Wednesday): Beats 1214 5:00 p.m. 1121 N. Leavitt at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Note the November time is earlier than usual,
See the full 18th District 2025 schedule and save the dates on your calendar Click Here.
See the full 12th District 2025 schedule and save the dates on your calendar Click Here
CAPS Beat Meetings are also posted on the RNRA Event Calendar which can be found on RNRAChicago.org and on the My River North mobile app.
Alderman Brendan Reilly
Alderman Reilly’s Efforts to Protect Residents and Pets from Stray Voltage. The increase in incidents of pets being shocked by stray voltage has deeply concerned Alderman Reilly. Electrocution by stray voltage is rare, but it can be dangerous for residents and, especially, pets.
Immediately after the incidents last Winter, Alderman Reilly introduced an ordinance (O2025-0016741) that requires contractors working on the public way to report electrical hazard concerns to the Office of Emergency Management (OEMC). The ordinance also requires that property managers notified of electrical hazards notify their residents as soon as possible, and no later than 12 hours.
Recently, Alderman Reilly sent a letter to CDOT requesting information on how their engineers could prevent future cases. That letter can be found here. In response to Alderman Reilly’s concerns, CDOT has implemented several new practices to mitigate stray voltage. CDOT has begun installing insulators on manholes and requiring contractors to test for stray voltage when working on streetlights or traffic circuits near the public way.
Ohio Place Dog Park Closing September 29 for Re-SeedingAlderman 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 will be placed on the park’s gates while the new grass grows. We encourage all residents to use Larrabee Street Dog Park during the closure.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Goldwater as President and Michele Berman as Vice President of the River North Residents Association.
Michael has been on the RNRA board and active with committees for the last two years. He has been serving as Treasurer since August 2024, and will continue that role while we seek a new Treasurer. He has been a resident of River North for almost 20 years and has been active in the River North community for many years.
Michele has been on the RNRA board and active with committees for almost four years. She has been leading the Parks Committee and the work it does to support events in and around A. Montgomery Ward Park. Michele has been a resident of River North for 29 years and has been active in the River North and school communities.
Statement from Michael: “I think what RNRA does is incredible for the community. Its mission of Protect and enhance the quality of life in River North, doing so through a focus on community, safety, responsible development, and addressing the needs of our residents and guests and also businesses is a great one, as is the RNRA work to help those in need. I expect to continue supporting that great work, focusing on our relationships with our constituents and our visitors and driving awareness and engagement with the RNRA and our activities.”
The first month of the Chicago – Halsted Viaduct and Chicago Avenue River Bridge project is complete.
Project Overview
This project involves replacing the Halsted Street viaduct structure from Ancona Street to the north branch of the Chicago River, along with a full replacement of the Chicago Avenue River Bridge. The new river bridge will feature a tied-arch design, while the viaduct will be rebuilt in-kind. Additional improvements include a new riverwalk connection, protected bike lanes, dedicated CTA bus lanes, upgraded street lighting, and enhanced traffic signals. These upgrades aim to improve safety, accessibility, and multimodal connectivity throughout the area. Completion is anticipated in December 2026.
Work Completed
Crews have removed existing street lighting, traffic signals, signage, and bus shelters along Halsted Street and Chicago Avenue. Viaduct removal is underway along the north leg of Halsted and the east leg of Chicago, with significant progress made to date.
Upcoming Activities
Bridge demolition will continue over the next month, including concrete sawing, breaking, and steel beam removal. In areas where demolition is complete, crews will begin constructing new bridge piers. Please note that bridge demolition is inherently noisy and dusty; however, crews will implement measures to minimize disruptions as much as possible.
On September 29, 2025, the project will advance to the next phase – full closure of the viaduct and river bridge.
