Update on Western Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation
Since taking office in 2023, I've been working the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Department of Planning and Development to reconstruct the S. Western Ave bridge. The project was delayed due to the uncertainly of the funding source, the Pilsen Industrial TIF. The wheels are now in motion to begin construction this fall. Below is general timeline and information for contractors to bid on the project.
Contracting Opportunity Below
The Department of Transportation is currently advertising a historic contracting opportunity for the rehabilitation of the S. Western Ave bridge. This project will focus on the complete reconstruction of the existing bridge superstructure & partial reconstruction of the current bridge structure. A new steel place girder superstructure will be constructed.
Projected Project Timeline:
• Contract Advertisement Date – 5/19/2026
• Bid and Award Process – 2-4 months
• Estimated Construction Start Date – Fall 2026
• Estimated Construction Duration – 2 years
Contact Luis Bejar with your questions at Luis.Bejar@cityofchicago.org.
SPECIFICATION NO. 1268016
View full bid details at Chicago.gov/eProcurement
Western Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation | May 2026 Update - Draft Presentation
CDOT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: KEDZIE AVE & ARCHER AVE ‘COMPLETE STREETS’ Project
On Tuesday November 25, 2025 the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the 12th Ward office held a virtual community meeting to provide an overview of the Kedzie Ave and Archer Ave traffic safety project currently underway. CDOT presented a background of the project including corridor crash data and design features. Contractors were on hand to provide construction updates, and project timelines. CDOT and team answered questions submitted through an online survey and at the meeting. Materials from the meeting are available below.
Recording of November 25, 2025 virtual meeting
Slide deck presentation _ Spanish （Español）
Slide deck presentation _ Chinese （简体中文）
Project materials are available online at:
New Parking Instructions:
How to Park _ Spanish （Español）
FAQs:
Frequently Asked Questions_Spanish（Español）
Frequently Asked Questions_Chinese（简体中文）
Fact sheet:
Project Overall Fact Sheet _Spanish（Español）
Project Overall Fact Sheet _Chinese（简体中文）
Community Feedback Survey:
Spring 2026 improvement updates:
Archer Avenue Corridor Improvements Notice
Archer Avenue Corridor Improvements Notice_Spanish（Español）
Archer Avenue Corridor Improvements Graphic
Archer Avenue Corridor Improvements Graphic_Spanish（Español）
Share additional feedback via email to: completestreets@cityofchicago.org and ward12@cityofchicago.org
Ongoing Construction Timeline and Updates:
Spring 2026 Archer Improvement Construction Updates:
• All concrete work completed
• Pavement striping – Completed
• Temporary bike lane striping will be painted after all pavement is completed
• The median (concrete island) at the northwest corner of S. Archer Ave and S. Sacramento Ave is scheduled to be temporarily removed on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to maintain traffic flow during the ongoing sewer replacement project. The median will be reinstalled following the completion of construction by CDOT.
All improvements are expected to be substantially complete by June 2026, weather permitting.
Spring 2026 - Improvement Construction updates.
Based on community feedback and conversations with local businesses, the 12th Ward office has developed revisions to the proposed improvements along the Archer Corridor. These updates are intended to better reflect the needs of the community while maintaining the project’s primary goal of safety. The improvements are as follows:
Improvement 1: Archer at 38th – Access to 38th Street from Archer will be opened back up to aid truck traffic and improve traffic operations, allowing direct access to 38th Street instead of requiring trucks to make a sharper turn at Campbell or Rockwell.
Improvement 2: Archer at Pershing/Rockwell – A second southbound travel lane approaching the Pershing/Rockwell intersection will be added to improve traffic flow and increase the number of vehicles that can make it through the intersection with each green cycle. This change will also allow southbound vehicles to bypass cars that are stopped to turn left into the McDonald’s parking lot. On-street parking directly adjacent to McDonald’s on the south side of the street will be removed to accommodate this change.
Improvement 3: Archer between 43rd & Sacramento – Eight additional parking spaces will be added to the northside of Archer just north of Whipple to support business access. The new left turn lane onto Whipple will be removed to accommodate this change and the new pedestrian refuge island will be shifted south to the Albany crosswalk. The Albany refuge island will be constructed in temporary materials this year and will be finalized in concrete next year.
Whipple between 43rd & Archer – Traffic flow on Whipple between 43rd and Archer will be reversed from one-way southbound to one-way northbound. This will eliminate the need for left-turns and a left-turn-lane from Archer onto Whipple for improved pedestrian access. Left turns are a major source of pedestrian crashes. Access to this block of Whipple will be available via 43rd Street.
Improvement 4: Archer between Kedzie & 43rd – Four new parking spaces will be added to the northside of Archer near the Brighton Park Library to improve access to the library and adjacent businesses. The newly added left-turn-lane onto Troy will be shortened to accommodate this change. The high volume of left turns at Troy necessitates the left-turn-lane remain so turning vehicles do not block southbound traffic on Archer. Reversing the direction of Troy (similar to what is proposed at Whipple) would push additional traffic to the Kedzie intersection.
Improvement 5: Archer at Christiana – The bus stop at Christiana was recently converted to five parking spaces adjacent to Michael’s Sports Lounge. There is another northbound bus stop the next block up.
Additional Improvements: Archer under Western Ave Viaduct – CDOT will resurface the street, the portion directly under the viaduct on Archer Ave, just south of Western Ave.
The improvement and revised construction is scheduled to begin next week, starting April 27, and is expected to be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.
Please see below for this week’s progress update for the new sewer project on S. Archer from S. California Ave to S. Sacramento Ave.
Ongoing Works:
Contractor continued pavement & track removal inside of the Stage 3 work zone.
Contractor continued the installation of the new 30” RCP sewer on S. Archer Ave from S. Richmond St to S. Sacramento Ave.
Contractor extended the Stage 3 MOT down S. Archer Ave through the intersection of S. Sacramento Ave.
Contractor completed first water main support near the intersection of S. Archer Ave and S. Sacramento Ave.
Contractor installed a catch basin on south side of S. Archer Ave between S. Francisco Ave and S. Richmond St.
Schedule: 6/20/26 – 6/26/26
Saturday 6/20/26 Contractor to be onsite cleaning up.
Monday 6/22/26 Concrete subcontractor looking to pour concrete base course on S. Archer Ave between S. Francisco Ave and S. Richmond St.
Monday 6/22/26 - Tuesday 6/23/26 Contractor to continue the 30" RCP sewer installation and install a Type B Reverse Manhole at intersection of S. Archer Ave and S. Sacramento Ave.
Monday 6/22/26 - Wednesday 6/24/26 Contractor's 2nd crew to continue installation of catch basins on S. Archer Ave between S. Francisco Ave and S. Sacramento Ave.
Tuesday 6/23/26 Contractor to pour CLSM for first water main support near the intersection of S. Archer Ave and S. Sacramento Ave.
Wednesday 6/24/26 - Friday 6/26/26 Contractor looking to begin installation of 12" DIP sewer at intersection of S. Archer Ave and S. Sacramento Ave.
Contractor looking to begin 12" DIP sewer installation on south side of S. Sacramento Ave first.
Wednesday 6/24/26 Contractor tentatively looking to begin implementation of MOT Stage 3D
Thursday 6/25/26 - Friday 6/26/26 Concrete subcontractor looking to pour concrete base course for catch basin laterals on S. Archer Ave between S. Francisco Ave and S. Sacramento Ave.
Road Closures / Traffic Control:
MOT Stage 3 (S. Archer Ave from S. Francisco Ave to S. Sacramento Ave)
No Street Parking has been posted on S. Archer Ave between S. Francisco and S. Sacramento
MOT Stage 3D (S. Sacramento Ave from S. Archer Ave to ~150' south of S. Sacramento Ave towards W. 43rd St.)
Northbound and southbound traffic on S. Archer Ave will be maintained.
Through traffic will be prohibited for southbound traffic on S. Sacramento Ave.
No Street Parking to be posted on south side of S. Sacramento Ave about 150' south towards W. 43rd St.
Mainline Sewer Pipe Progress TO DATE: 3,310.5 LF of 3,660 LF = 90.5 %
DWM sewer CONSTRUCTION PN 7094 Progress Update:
DWM PSA - 2501001 - S Archer Ave from W 39th Pl to West of S California Ave
More information or assistance needed please reach out to:
24-Hour Service and Information Line: 311
The 12th Ward Office: (773) 475-6783 or ward12@cityofchicago.org
DWM Office of Public Affairs: (312) 744-6635
More information or assistance needed please reach out to:
24-Hour Service and Information Line: 311
The 12th Ward Office: (773) 475-6783 or ward12@cityofchicago.org
DWM Office of Public Affairs: (312) 744-6635
DWM Crews will begin work on the new water main project on S Archer Ave from W 39th Pl to S Francisco Ave starting Monday, June 8th and lasting through the completion of the project.
The DWM Crew has begun mobilizing equipment to S Archer Ave & S Montgomery Ave and will continue Monday morning. A traffic shift, detailed below, has been set up this morning to accommodate this work.
Scope of Work:
DWM Crews will install 8" DI Watermain on the South Side of S Archer Ave & W 39th Pl and work South to S Francisco Ave.
Intersections will be closed as the Crew installs 8" DIP Watermain pipe through those intersections. Advanced notice will be given when this happens as well as traffic shift details.
Progress Update for the week of 6/13/2026 thru 6/19/2026
Remaining sawcut was completed for Stage 1 (S Archer Ave – W 39th PL to S California Ave)
Approximately 975 L.F. of the new 8” water main has been from W 39th PL to S California Ave. Approximately 100 L.F. remain to be installed to complete all of Stage 1.
Schedule for the week of 6/20/2026 thru 6/26/2026
Crew A will complete the remaining 100 L.F. of new WM install for Stage 1.
Crew B will excavate at W 39th PL on S Archer Ave to complete the Source connection work tying the new water main to the old water main. During this shut down, some residents will experience a water interruption. A PSA was sent regarding this.
Tuesday, 6/23, the Stage 1 WM will be pressure tested with Chlorination of the new main following for the remainder of the week.
Wednesday at 6:00am, 6/24, the intersection of Archer & California will have NB & SB traffic shut down for Crew A to complete the new water main installation across the intersection. EB & WB traffic through the intersection will remain the same. Detours will be set up to reroute NB & SB traffic on S California Ave. You will receive a copy of the MOT for this closure once I receive it. This closure is tentatively expected to remain in place through the remainder of the week. Once the intersection work is completed, the closure will be removed. Please note that once the new water main installation, pressure testing & chlorination has been completed, we will return to place concrete base within our excavation in the intersection. We will not need to close the intersection to complete this concrete work. However, we will shift traffic and pour the concrete base in 2 stages. You will receive advanced notice of this prior.
Sawcut will perform all intersection cutting work once the Stage 2 MOT is in place at the intersection of Archer/California/
Road Closures and Traffic Control
The current traffic shift in place that pushes all East and West bound traffic into the Northern, West Bound Traffic Lanes, remains in place until further notice. The Southern half of S Archer Ave from W 39th Pl to South of S California Ave remains closed to traffic. The Stage 3 MOT shift is partially in place until the private contracted sewer crew progresses further West past S Francisco Ave. Once they have reached this point, the Stage 2 MOT will be extended to S Francisco Ave placing both directions of traffic to the North side of S Archer Ave.
Stage 2 MOT (NB & SB traffic detoured at S Archer Ave on S California Ave) will be set in place Wednesday, 6/24, and will remain in place throughout the remainder of the week.
Parking will be restricted on the South Side of S Archer Ave between W 39th Pl and S Francisco Ave.
Mainline Water Main Pipe Progress To Date: 48%
Kedzie Avenue Corridor Improvements
Construction Updates:
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is currently working S. Kedzie Ave Corridor Improvements from 28th St to S. Archer Ave. Work to begin on Tuesday September 2, 2025, and take 12 weeks, weather permitting.
Safety improvements are coming to Kedzie Avenue between 44th St and 28th St. The changes will make the street safer and more comfortable for everyone - whether you walk, drive, bike, or take transit and improve access to local schools and businesses.
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
Traffic safety has been a longstanding concern in Brighton Park. Archer and Kedzie avenues account for over half of the deaths and injuries caused by traffic crashes in the neighborhood. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has worked with residents, neighborhood groups, and the 12th Ward to identify infrastructure changes to ensure Kedzie is safer and works better for everyone.
WHAT IS BEING INSTALLED?
• Curb extensions and pedestrian refuge islands: shortened crossing distance, increased pedestrian visibility, more predictable vehicle movements
• New lane configuration: right-sized travel lanes encourage safer speeds, center turn lanes provide space for turning vehicles to wait
• Protected bike lanes: dedicated space for people on bikes, increased separation between sidewalk and travel lanes, expanding the Southwest Side’s low-stress bike network
• Improved bus stops: space for people riding the bus to wait, smoother bus operations
For more information: chicago.gov/Kedzie2025 or call the 12th Ward office at 773-475-6783
Aviso de Construccion:
El Departamento de Transporte de Chicago (CDOT) está realizando mejoras en el corredor de la S. Kedzie Ave, desde la calle 28 St hasta la S. Archer Ave. Los trabajos comenzarán el martes 2 de septiembre de 2025 y tendrán una duración de 12 semanas, si el clima lo permite.
Se implementarán mejoras de seguridad en la avenida Kedzie, entre las calles 44 y 28. Los cambios harán que la calle sea más segura y cómoda para todos, ya sea que caminen, conduzcan, anden en bicicleta o utilicen el transporte público, y mejorarán el acceso a las escuelas y negocios locales.
ANTECEDENTES DEL PROYECTO:
La seguridad vial ha sido una preocupación constante en Brighton Park. Las avenidas Archer y Kedzie representan más de la mitad de las muertes y lesiones causadas por accidentes de tránsito en el vecindario. El Departamento de Transporte de Chicago (CDOT) ha trabajado con residentes, grupos vecinales y el Distrito 12 para identificar cambios en la infraestructura y garantizar que Kedzie sea más segura y funcione mejor para todos.
¿QUÉ SE ESTÁ INSTALANDO?
• Extensiones de aceras e isletas peatonales: menor distancia de cruce, mayor visibilidad peatonal, movimientos vehiculares más predecibles.
• Nueva configuración de carriles: carriles de circulación de tamaño adecuado que fomentan velocidades más seguras, carriles centrales para giros que brindan espacio para que los vehículos que giran esperen.
• Ciclovías protegidas: espacio exclusivo para ciclistas, mayor separación entre la acera y los carriles de circulación, expansión de la red ciclista de bajo estrés del suroeste.
• Paradas de autobús mejoradas: espacio para que los pasajeros del autobús esperen, operaciones de autobús más fluidas.
Para más información: chicago.gov/Kedzie2025 o llame a la oficina del Distrito 12 al 773-475-6783.
施工更新:
芝加哥交通局（CDOT）目前正在进行 S. Kedzie Ave 走廊改造工程，范围从 28 街至 S. Archer Ave（南 阿彻大道）。施工将于 2025 年 9 月 2 日星期二开始，预计施工 12 周，视天气情况而定。
在 44 街至 28 街之间的 Kedzie 大道，将进行 安全改造，使街道对所有人更安全、更舒适 - 无论您是步行、驾车、骑行或乘坐公共交通，同时改善对当地学校和商家的通行与可达性。
项目背景：
在布莱顿公园（Brighton Park） 社区，交通安全长期以来一直是关注重点。Archer 和 Kedzie 大道占社区交通事故死亡和受伤人数的一半以上。芝加哥交通局（CDOT）与居民、社区组织以及第 12 区办公室合作，确定基础设施改造方案，以确保 Kedzie 大道对每个人更安全、更便利。
施工内容：
• 路缘拓宽与行人庇护岛：缩短过街距离，提高行人可见性，使车辆行驶更可预测
• 新车道规划：合理车道宽度鼓励安全车速，中间新增左转车道为左转车辆提供等待空间
• 保护式自行车道：为骑行者提供专用空间，增加人行道与车道间隔，扩展西南区低压力骑行网络路线
• 改进公交站：为乘客提供候车空间，改善公交运营顺畅度
更多信息访问：chicago.gov/Kedzie2025 或致电第 12 区办公室：773-475-6783
Archer Avenue Corridor Improvements
CONSTRUCTION NOTICE:
S. Archer Ave, from W. 47th St. to S. Western Blvd. Work to begin on Monday, October 6, 2025, and take 12 weeks, weather permitting.
The work will include new and refreshed pavement markings, revised roadway signage, concrete medians, flexible delineators, and installation of new detached bump outs throughout the project limits. Additionally, the work will include sidewalk replacement and new ADA ramps within the project limits.
During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking as needed for the completion of the work.
This project will be managed by the Chicago Department of Transportation. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please contact them at 312-722-6590. chicago.gov/Archer2025
AVISO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN:
S. Archer Ave, desde W. 47th St. hasta S. Western Blvd. Las obras comenzarán el lunes 6 de octubre de 2025 y durarán 12 semanas si el clima lo permite.
Las obras incluirán la instalación de nuevas y renovadas marcas viales, la revisión de la señalización vial, medianas de concreto, demarcadores flexibles y la instalación de nuevos resaltes independientes dentro de los límites del proyecto. Además, se reemplazarán las aceras y se instalarán nuevas rampas ADA dentro de los límites del proyecto.
Durante la construcción, se instalarán señales temporales de "No Estacionar" según sea necesario para cada actividad mencionada anteriormente. Estas señales temporales restringirán el estacionamiento según sea necesario para la finalización de la obra.
Este proyecto será administrado por el Departamento de Transporte de Chicago. Si necesita información adicional sobre este proyecto, comuníquese con ellos al 312-722-6590. chicago.gov/Archer2025
施工通知：南阿彻大道（S. Archer Ave），从西第47大街（W. 47th St.）到南西部大道（S. Western Blvd）路段。
施工将于 2025 年 10 月 6 日星期一开始，预计 12 周内完成，具体时间视天气情况而定。
施工内容包括新增和重新标绘的路面标线、调整道路标志、设置混凝土中央隔离带、安装柔性分隔桩，以及在施工范围内建设新的独立路缘延伸段（bump outs）。此外，还将更换人行道并增设新的无障碍坡道（ADA 坡道）。
施工期间，将根据各项施工内容的需要设置临时“禁止停车”标志。这些标志会在施工期间临时限制停车，以确保工程顺利完成。
本项目由芝加哥交通局（CDOT）负责管理。如需了解更多信息，请致电 312-722-6590。chicago.gov/Archer2025
Western Avenue Bridge Update:
A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Arturo Velasquez Westside Technical Institute, 2800 S. Western Ave. Hosted by the Chicago Department of Transportation and Ald. Julia M. Ramirez (12th Ward).
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is planning a major rehabilitation of the South Western Avenue/ Boulevard Bridge (SN 016-6056) over the Sanitary and Ship. The construction of this project is planned to begin in late 2024. The Western Avenue/Boulevard Bridge was built in 1940, and carries the Western Avenue and Western Boulevard, carrying vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Please, see Exhibit 1 showing bird’s-eye view of the bridge.
The rehabilitation of the bridge includes full superstructure replacement, rehabilitation of the bridge piers and abutments, pavement reconstruction directly adjacent to the bridge, and pavement resurfacing between 31st to the north and the RR viaduct to the south. The proposed bridge will include two sidewalks, two lanes of traffic in each direction on Western Boulevard and Western Avenue, and one bike lane in each direction on Western Avenue, and will include the restoration of architectural fixtures such as ornamental lights, parapets etc. Please, see proposed section in Exhibit 2.
Construction will happen in three stages to allow traffic to utilize different sections of the bridge while it is under construction. Please see Exhibit 3 showing typical traffic staging during construction.
Questions / comments for CDOT can be submitted here.
Street reconstruction: Homan, from 37th Place to railroad tracks
CDOT is planning street reconstruction of a Homan, from 37th Place to the railroad tracks. Construction will take another 3 months. The street will have a full closure for the duration of the project but open to garbage trucks. Construction to begin in Spring 2025. Residents who have driveways on Homan will be notified by CDOT, contractors, and the 12th Ward office closer to construction start date. Improvements will include;
new street pavement
New curb and gutter
sewers and catch basins installed to address flooding
Culdasac
new alley aprons
parkway restoration
existing trees will be maintained
new sidewalk
New street lighting
Fiber Optic Conduit Installation - W 34th & S Leavitt St
Crosstown Fiber has a pending construction project, per CDOT's request. Crosstown Fiber has planned fiber optic conduit installation at the following location: W 34th St & S Leavitt St. This project comes as an effort by Crosstown Fiber to build up their infrastructure to bring advanced cellular technology to the area. This build is scheduled for Q2-2024. Plans available here.
