Chicago River Bridge Lifts Will Begin September 30

The city will begin seasonal bridge operations on the Chicago River to allow vessels to reach winter storage.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Current Conditions

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel bascule bridge being raised over a river with a sailboat passing underneath. — The Chicago Department of Transportation will begin its seasonal bridge lift schedule on September 30, allowing vessels to reach inland winter storage. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Chicago Department of Transportation will initiate its fall schedule of bridge lifts on the Chicago River beginning September 30, 2026. These operations allow sailboats and recreational vessels to transit between Lake Michigan and their winter storage facilities.

Why it matters

The seasonal bridge lift program is a biannual necessity for the city to accommodate maritime traffic heading to inland storage. Residents should anticipate temporary traffic disruptions throughout the period as bridges are raised in succession.

Bridge lifts will occur in sequence from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to the 18th Street Bridge, with each event lasting between 8 to 12 minutes. Rehabilitation work is simultaneously underway on the 110-year-old Lake Street Bridge.

The players

Chicago Department of Transportation

This local government agency is responsible for the maintenance and operation of Chicago's infrastructure, including the city's extensive system of movable bridges.

CTA

The Chicago Transit Authority operates the public transportation system in Chicago, including rail and bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas.

The details

During the lift sequence, traffic across the affected bridges will be stopped to allow vessels to pass safely. The process moves systematically along the Chicago River, affecting major river crossings throughout the downtown area.

September 30, 2026: The first fall bridge lift begins at 9:30 a.m.
October 13, 2026: CTA train service suspension begins between Clinton and Clark/Lake stations.
October 26, 2026: CTA train service suspension ends.

Seasonal Patterns

The upcoming lifts reflect the city's long-standing biannual ritual of clearing the Chicago River for seasonal vessel migration. This process follows the established biannual spring and fall bridge lifting schedule required to transition boats into winter storage.

Motorists should prepare for traffic stops during the 8 to 12 minute bridge lift windows as the sequence moves from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to the 18th Street Bridge. Commuters relying on the CTA should plan alternative routes for the train service suspension between Clinton and Clark/Lake stations from October 13 to October 26.

The takeaway

Chicago residents should plan for periodic traffic delays and localized transit changes as the city manages this critical infrastructure transition. Keeping updated on the specific lift schedule can help minimize travel interruptions during the fall season.