Riverwalk work to close Wells Street bridge to all traffic this weekend

If you’re driving or even walking downtown this weekend, plan for some extra traffic delays, and possibly some confused motorists.

The Wells Street Bridge will be closed to all motorized, bicycle and pedestrian traffic from Friday through Sunday to allow for work on the section of the Chicago Riverwalk under the bridge, the Chicago Department of Transportation announced.

The timing is aimed at minimizing disruptions, corresponding with the CTA’s scheduled Brown Line service operating on the Red Line subway tracks between Fullerton and the Loop, from 8 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday for work on the Ravenswood Connector Rehabilitation project.

Both leafs of the Wells Street Bridge will be raised and locked up at 8:30 p.m. Friday until midnight Sunday.

The bridge must remain up to allow contractors to use a crane and drill rig to install steel casings for caissons that will support the underbridge over the riverwalk, according to CDOT.

Detours for pedestrians, vehicles and bicycles will be set up via the LaSalle Street Bridge.

During the temporary Brown Line service shift between Fullerton and Clark/Lake, the CTA will run free bus shuttle service making all stops at or near affected Brown Line stations.

CDOT is now working on Phase 3 of the Riverwalk, extending from LaSalle under the Wells and Franklin street bridges to Lake Street.