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.

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.

• Family: four tickets
• Individual: two tickets

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.

Michael Goldwater, President of One River Place Condominium Association

RESTORATION AND REINSTALLATION OF STATUE AT FORMER MONTGOMERY WARD ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

Iconic Spirit of Progress statue, beacon of what is now One River Place Condominium Association in River North, was returned to her perch September 6th on the Chicago skyline after an extensive repair and restoration.

Chicago, IL September  2025: The Board and Homeowners of One River Place Condominium Association (formerly the Montgomery Ward & Company Administration building)  located at 758 N. Larrabee Street, at Chicago Avenue and the east bank of the Chicago River, have been performing projects to maintain and restore the building and important elements that contribute to its historic presence in Chicago.  As part of those projects they are pleased to announce the restoration of the iconic statue crowning our building: Diana, The Spirit of Progress.  Over the last 9 months the statue has undergone an extensive inspection, cleaning, and restoration and is now ready to reascend to her place of honor as a beacon of the Chicago skyline.

History: The building was originally constructed in 1928.  A statue of the Spirit of Progress (also referred to as Diana or the Goddess of the Hunt) was erected on top of a pedestal at the northeast corner of the building in 1929.  Made of bronze and standing 22.5 feet tall, this statue has been an icon of the Chicago skyline for almost a century.

The building, along with the original Montgomery Ward Catalog House building across the street, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.  We are presently seeking City of Chicago Landmark status.  The Statue was installed in its present location by Montgomery Ward & Company and is an updated version of the bronze statue that topped the former Montgomery Ward office at 2 N. Michigan Avenue, which itself was created and patterned after the statue on top of the Agriculture Building at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Details on restoration and reinstallation: The statue was removed December 2024 and sent to the renowned Conservations of Sculpture and Objects Studio for restoration.  Over the past 9 months the statue has been repaired, cleaned, and her mounting has been reconstructed to ensure she will be securely attached to the building for many years to come.

Crane placement began at 8:00 AM Saturday September 6th: The Statue delivery and crane placement took place at the property at 758 N. Larrabee Street at 8:00 AM, and raising and reinstallation occurred between 10-Noon.  Viewing of the reinstallation was possible on the east side of Larrabee Street and also on Chicago Avenue.   After the statue’s reinstallation, final masonry work on the pedestal and refinishing will occur and additional lighting will be installed to highlight our beacon of the skyline.  This work and scaffolding removal are expected to occur before year-end 2025.

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is proud to announce the launch of its new podcast series, “Roll Call,” produced by the Bureau of Patrol. The series offers candid, unfiltered conversations with members of CPD, residents, and others who work closely with law enforcement.

The premiere episode features an intimate conversation with CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling. Listeners will hear Superintendent Snelling reflect on pivotal moments in his career as well as the personal toll of policing and what it means to serve the city where he grew up.

You can listen to “Roll Call” wherever you get your Podcasts. For more information, CLICK HERE.