Lake Street Bascule Bridge – Cook County, Illinois

The Lake Street Bascule Bridge is a critical crossing over the South Branch of the Chicago River, carrying both vehicular and marine traffic in the heart of Chicago. This multi-phase rehabilitation project enhances structural integrity, improves operational reliability, and extends the bridge’s service life for decades.

Structural Engineering and Rehabilitation
DB Sterlin provided structural engineering and construction management services, delivering targeted repairs, mechanical upgrades, and roadway improvements while ensuring safe and efficient traffic flow and minimizing disruptions for the traveling public. Our team led the structural engineering for the CDOT Lake Street Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation Project, overseeing inspections, design, and construction management to support long-term safety, reliability, and operational performance while coordinating with multiple disciplines and agencies.

The project scope included designing upper-level steel floor beams, CTA walkway stringers, steel framing, and concrete slabs for fixed-span sidewalks, as well as new bridge houses with exterior stairs. Additional elements included ornamental railings, pit stairs, landings, ladders, concrete repairs for exterior river piers and interior pit walls, and analysis of existing roadway stringers. DB Sterlin also prepared the Bridge Condition Report to guide the rehabilitation efforts.

Coordinated Construction Management
Phase III work is currently underway, reflecting DB Sterlin’s commitment to delivering safe, resilient, and well-managed infrastructure for Chicago residents and commuters. As part of this effort, DB Sterlin provides construction management services, including overseeing topographic surveys, coordinating with architectural, civil, roadway, and MEP disciplines, and managing agency communications with CDOT and CTA. CM services ensure proper construction sequencing, contractor oversight, quality control, and adherence to design specifications, allowing the rehabilitation to proceed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to traffic and river navigation.

Enhancing a Chicago Landmark
The Lake Street Bascule Bridge rehabilitation combines completed structural engineering with ongoing construction management, modernizing this historic crossing while preserving its functionality and character.