Multiple temporary street closures are taking effect across Chicago this weekend due to seasonal bridge lifts, the Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K, and several neighborhood festivals on the city’s North Side. According to CBS News Chicago, drivers and residents should expect traffic changes from Saturday morning through Sunday evening.
Spring bridge lifts begin Saturday
Seasonal spring bridge lifts begin Saturday at 8 a.m. As part of the process, 27 bridges from South Ashland Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be raised, bringing temporary closures and traffic slowdowns in several parts of the city.
Half marathon and 10K bring Sunday closures
More traffic disruptions are expected on Sunday, May 17, because of the Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K in Grant Park and along the lakefront. The half marathon starts at 7 a.m., while the 10K begins at 7:45 a.m., with both the start and finish lines located on Columbus Drive. 
CBS News Chicago reported that several downtown stretches will be closed. Monroe will be shut down in all lanes from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Columbus from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Columbus Drive will also face closures in both directions at different times, from Randolph to Roosevelt, while certain lanes on Randolph will also be closed during morning hours.
North Side festivals add more traffic changes
In addition to sports-related closures, several festivals on Chicago’s North Side will also affect traffic this weekend. Lincoln Park Mayfest runs through May 17, with Armitage closed from Racine Avenue to Sheffield for the event. At the same time, Renegade Chicago in Andersonville is taking place on Clark Street between W. Bryn Mawr and W. Edgewater, while the Lincoln Roscoe Art & Craft Fair is taking over Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and Melrose.
A weekend that calls for alternate routes
With several events happening at once, this weekend will bring noticeable movement restrictions in parts of Chicago, especially downtown and on the North Side. For drivers, event participants, and anyone planning to move through those areas, it would be wise to check alternate routes in advance and allow extra travel time.
Photo: Milan Brašanac
