Construction of Torrence Avenue bridge begins this month

Construction begins this month for a total replacement of the Torrence Avenue bridge over the Grand Calumet River bridge in Chicago.

The existing bridge, approximately one mile south of 130^th Street, was closed for emergency repairs in May after a routine inspection revealed one of the main truss members had deteriorated and was no longer safe, according to a statement from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Further evaluations determined more extensive repairs were required and available funding would be better spent on a long-term solution. The $13 million bridge replacement was already included in the department’s 2016-21 budget for Proposed Highway Improvement Program, according to the statement.

The current detour will remain in place until the project is complete. Northbound traffic is detoured east on Sibley Boulevard, north on Burnham Avenue, northwest on Brainard Avenue and west on 130th Street to reconnect with Torrence Avenue. Southbound traffic is following the reverse route.

The new bridge is scheduled to be finished by Summer 2017.

The new structure will replace a steel truss bridge built in 1938. The new bridge will have a multiuse path on the east side of the bridge and a sidewalk on the west side, according to the statement.