Chicago Removed Dangerous River North Staircase
City crews dismantled a structurally compromised staircase at the intersection of Wabash and Hubbard.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Construction
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The Chicago Department of Transportation has removed a public staircase in the River North neighborhood after safety concerns prompted its closure. The site, previously blocked by barriers and netting, has been temporarily replaced with a concrete patch.
Why it matters
The removal addresses immediate structural integrity risks at a high-traffic pedestrian crossing in the city center. Local officials have begun the process to solicit bids for a safe, permanent replacement project.
The city moved to clear the structure after it required barriers and netting since August 2021. The current footprint at Wabash and Hubbard is now a concrete patch pending the next phase of development.
The players
Chicago Department of Transportation
This municipal agency manages the maintenance, planning, and safety of the city's transportation infrastructure.
Brendan Reilly
He serves as the alderman for the 42nd Ward in Chicago and represents the neighborhood where the structure was located.
The details
Alderman Brendan Reilly identified safety hazards that necessitated the deconstruction by the Chicago Department of Transportation. While the immediate site is now level, authorities are preparing an e-bid process to facilitate the installation of a new structure.
Timeline
Barriers and netting were present at the staircase starting in August 2021.
The staircase was officially removed in September 2026.
Construction on a replacement staircase is expected to start by the spring of 2027.
Market Landscape
This project highlights the ongoing infrastructure maintenance challenges faced by densely populated urban districts in Chicago. Managing the aging physical assets of a major city like Chicago requires constant coordination between local aldermanic offices and the municipal department of transportation.
Pedestrians who frequently use the corner of Wabash and Hubbard must navigate a concrete patch until a new staircase is installed. The closure of this route may require commuters to adjust their walking paths in the River North area for the coming months.
The takeaway
Maintaining urban pedestrian infrastructure requires a balance between immediate safety actions and long-term capital improvement projects. Residents should remain aware of potential detours as the city transitions from emergency remediation to permanent rebuilding efforts.
What happens next
The aldermanic office will initiate an e-bid process for the construction of a new staircase, with work currently projected to commence by the spring of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure improvements in Chicago Construction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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