Free Ice Cream, Live Music To Herald Reopening Of Washington Street Bridge

NAPERVILLE, IL — Downtown Naperville Alliance (DTA) is hosting a grand reopening celebration to fête the end of construction on Washington Street Bridge.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. on July 11.

Mayor Scott Werhli and city council members will be on hand to share remarks and perform a ribbon-cutting ceremony. After the ribbon-cutting, Wehrli and other city officials will board the Naperville Trolley for an "inaugural ride" over the bridge, per a news release from DTA.

The festivities include live music from Chicago-based marching band-style performers. The first 150 people will receive a coupon for a free cup of ice cream.

In 2022, a Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) inspection found that the Washington Street Bridge had deteriorated to the point it required a decreased weigh limit. The bridge's weight limit had initially been reduced in 2016 to protect its structure.

Construction to replace the bridge began in spring of 2023 and wrapped in July 2025.

What: Washington Street Bridge Grand Reopening

When: July 11 at 11 a.m.

Where: 419 S. Washington St., Naperville