CHICAGO, IL — The Illinois Department of Transportation blew up the Torrence Avenue bridge in the South Deering neighborhood Thursday. The structure tumbled into the Grand Calumet River. The bridge was closed in May 2015 after inspection showed the structural steel had deteriorated, and the bridge was deemed unsafe.
Northbound traffic is redirected east on Sibley Road, north on Burnham Avenue and northwest on Brainard Avenue back to Torrence. A new bridge is targeted for completion in summer of 2017, according to IDOT.
The new bridge will have a more modern style and design, with a multi-use path as well as a standard sidewalk to better accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.
