Lanes on Torrence Avenue bridge closed after inspection

Lanes have been closed on the Torrence Avenue bridge over the Grand Calumet River on the Far South Side after an inspection uncovered a problem with the structure.

During a routine inspection of the bridge, IDOT crews found deterioration of the main truss members, according to a statement from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The right lane in both directions will be closed and the bridge will have a 15-ton weight limit as officials analyze the structure, IDOT said.

Once the analysis is complete, IDOT will evaluate repair options. A project to replace the structure is included in IDOT’s FY 2016-21 Proposed Highway Improvement Program, the department said.

No truck detours will be posted since Torrence is not a designated truck route, IDOT said. Trucks should instead use the nearby Bishop Ford Expressway or Burnham Avenue. More than 12,700 vehicles use the bridge every day.