Bridge access restored on DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago after heat causes malfunction

Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune on Sep 2, 2026

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CHICAGO — A DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge at Grand Avenue near Navy Pier is now restored after getting stuck slightly upright Wednesday morning, causing delays and backups for cars on the major Chicago highway.

The bridge malfunctioned and failed to close properly after it was raised for a scheduled lift around 10 a.m., according to Erica Schroeder, spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Transportation. No one was injured.

The bridge was fully closed again and reopened to traffic around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to Schroeder.

The ongoing early September heat wave caused the bridge to swell in the heat as it was raised. It got stuck after a boat passed through for a scheduled lift, according to Schroeder.

“Given the high temperatures, it’s not totally uncommon,” Schroeder said. “Our scheduled bridge lifts happen in the spring and fall when temperatures are normally more mild.”

A heat advisory is in effect for most of the day Wednesday, as “feels like” temperatures of as high as 105 sweep through Chicago, according to the National Weather Service. The heat advisory is in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday. By Friday, temperatures in the low 80s are expected.

To reduce the bridge’s swelling, the Chicago Fire Department showered the structure with a massive stream of water to cool it off. The bridge has since reopened to car traffic.

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