This month, Granite started the $138 million rehabilitation of the Lake Street Bascule Bridge for the Chicago DOT, according to a news release from the builder.
Originally built in 1916, the structure is a two-story, double-leaf landmark and a moving light over the Chicago River. He wears the distinction like that of the world first two-story bascule bridge.
The bridge plays a vital role in Chicago’s transportation network, for granite. Its lower level carries Chicago Transit Authority vehicles, pedestrians and buses, while CTA Green and Pink Line trains run through its upper deck.
Granite will completely replace the span. In addition to the necessary substructure rehabilitation, the construction team will change the upper level CTA tracks and upgrade the drawbridge’s mechanical and electrical systems, according to the release.
To carry out parts of the rehabilitation, the construction team will lift the leaves of the new bridge off-site. Each leaf will then be transported via float-in during two 12-day CTA Green and Pink Line service outages in fall 2026 and spring 2027. according to the job project page.
In addition, the Watsonville, Calif.-based builder will also restore the historic bridge houses, while maintaining the architectural character of the landmarks.
“This collaboration with CDOT to rehabilitate one of Chicago’s iconic, century-old drawbridges underscores Granite’s strategic commitment to the Chicago market,” Michael Punches, Granite’s vice president of regional operations, said in the statement. “Leveraging our specialist expertise in mobile bridge rehabilitation, we continue to deliver lasting value to the city’s infrastructure.”
The project is clearly in Granite’s wheelhouse, both in terms of scope and concept. In recent years, the company has moved away from large megaprojects, instead opt for smaller jobs with faster horizons, more simplicity and less risk.
Granite, which is well versed in infrastructure and road construction works, has has historically been bullish on public marketslargely due to the financing of the Investment in Infrastructure and Employment Law. It has also embarked on a series of M&A deals, driven by growth of your portfolio, profits and income.
Construction on the Chicago leg began this month and is expected to be completed by December 2027, the statement said.
