Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 23, Granite, a U.S.-based construction company, has commenced rehabilitation work on the historic Lake Street Bascule Bridge in Chicago, Illinois. The project, valued at approximately $138 million, was awarded by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and represents a major infrastructure initiative to modernize one of the city’s most significant transportation links.

The project will restore the historic Lake Street bridge houses, retaining their original architectural features.

The rehabilitation is fully funded by CDOT and was included in Granite’s first-quarter committed and awarded projects. Built in 1916, the Lake Street Bridge serves as a vital route across the Chicago River, supporting multiple modes of transportation. The lower deck accommodates vehicles, pedestrians, and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses, while the upper deck carries CTA’s Green and Pink Line trains.

The project’s scope includes a complete replacement of the double-decked trunnion bascule bridge. Granite will undertake substructure rehabilitation, replace the CTA rail tracks on the upper level, and upgrade the bridge’s mechanical and electrical systems to enhance reliability and performance. The company will also restore the historic bridge houses, maintaining their original architectural character while improving functionality.

A key feature of the construction plan involves building the new bridge leaves off-site. Each leaf will be transported and installed during separate “float-in” operations, scheduled to occur in autumn 2026 and spring 2027. These operations will require temporary service interruptions on the CTA Green and Pink Lines. To ensure uninterrupted traffic and river navigation, at least one bridge leaf will remain operational at all times, in compliance with federal and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

Michael Punches, Granite’s regional operations vice president, stated: “This collaboration with CDOT to rehabilitate one of Chicago’s century-old, iconic movable bridges underscores Granite’s strategic commitment to the Chicago market. By leveraging our specialised expertise in movable bridge rehabilitation, we continue to deliver lasting value to the city’s infrastructure.”

Work on the Lake Street Bridge rehabilitation began this month, with completion expected in December 2027. The project aims to enhance the bridge’s operational safety and extend its service life while preserving its historical significance.

This project adds to Granite’s growing portfolio of public infrastructure developments in the U.S. Earlier, in July 2025, the company secured a $111 million contract from the Utah Department of Transportation for major infrastructure upgrades in Salt Lake City.

The Lake Street Bridge project reflects Granite’s continued engagement in large-scale urban transportation initiatives, combining structural modernization with the preservation of historic engineering landmarks. Through this rehabilitation, Chicago aims to improve the reliability of one of its key river crossings, ensuring long-term connectivity and efficiency for both public transit and private transport systems.