Torrence Avenue Bridge Blast Planned for Thursday

The Illinois Department of Transportation will blast the Torrence Avenue bridge over the Grand Calumet River in Chicago to smithereens on Thursday, March 3, weather permitting.

IDOT said in a news release that a bridge explosion is necessary to blast the existing framework into the Grand Calumet River where it will be dismantled.

The existing bridge, approximately one mile south of 130th Street, was closed in May 2015 after a routine inspection revealed structural steel had deteriorated and was no longer safe.

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. It is expected to be completed in Summer 2017, weather permitting.

The current detour will remain in place until the project is complete. Northbound traffic is detoured east on Sibley Boulevard, north on Burnham Avenue and northwest on Brainard Avenue to reconnect with Torrence Avenue. Southbound traffic is following the reverse route.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.