Multiple Chicago Bridge Closures Frustrate Drivers

Alderman proposes plan to prevent simultaneous bridge closures in the future

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Multiple bridges in Chicago are currently closed for repairs, causing major traffic congestion and frustration for drivers trying to get to and from work. Alderman Brian Hopkins has introduced a plan that would require the Chicago Department of Transportation to hold public hearings before approving any major bridge closure projects, in an effort to better coordinate and prevent simultaneous closures in the future.

Why it matters

The simultaneous bridge closures have significantly impacted commutes and access to hospitals, with ambulances struggling to navigate the traffic congestion. This highlights the need for better planning and coordination by the city to minimize the disruption caused by critical infrastructure repairs.

The details

There are four East-West bridges currently closed in Chicago: the Lake Street bridge (closed through January 2028), the Cortland Street bridge (closed until 2027), the Chicago Avenue bridge (closed until December 2026), and the State Street bridge (closed at least until March 2026). Alderman Hopkins criticized the city for not doing enough to prepare alternative routes and adjust traffic signals to mitigate the impact of these closures.

  • The Lake Street bridge is closed through January 2028.
  • The Cortland Street bridge is closed until 2027.
  • The Chicago Avenue bridge is closed until December 2026.
  • The State Street bridge is closed at least until March 2026.

The players

Alderman Brian Hopkins

The alderman who represents Chicago's 2nd ward and has introduced a plan to require public hearings before major bridge closure projects.

Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)

The city agency responsible for the bridge closure projects, which Alderman Hopkins criticized for not doing enough to prepare for the impact of the closures.

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What they’re saying

“People are furious, and they should be because this was a disregard for their convenience, their safety and their needs. Ambulances can't get to hospitals because of this traffic congestion.”

— Alderman Brian Hopkins, Alderman, 2nd Ward (NBC Chicago)

“I have to take a longer route. It takes a little bit longer to get to work and back. So, it's been a little bit of a standstill, but you have to make do with it.”

— Juan Gonzalez (NBC Chicago)

“We've known that it needed to be repaired for years. That doesn't excuse them for not planning for how to go around the inconvenience. They had all that time to prepare alternative routes, to prepare detours, to do signal timing adjustments, to have a better striping on the pavement to restrict parking where is necessary. They did none of it. They simply closed the bridge and let the traffic disaster happen.”

— Alderman Brian Hopkins, Alderman, 2nd Ward (NBC Chicago)

What’s next

The plan proposed by Alderman Hopkins to require public hearings before major bridge closure projects will now go before the full Chicago City Council for a vote.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the need for better coordination and planning by the city to minimize the disruption caused by critical infrastructure repairs. The proposed ordinance could help prevent similar simultaneous bridge closures in the future, which have significantly impacted commutes and access to essential services.