Heat-Related Malfunction Stalls DuSable Lake Shore Drive Bridge for Four Hours
On September 2, 2026, the DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge over the Chicago River became stuck in the raised position due to heat-related mechanical issues. The closure lasted approximately four hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., causing significant traffic delays across the city. Firefighters sprayed water on the steel span to cool it, allowing crews to lower the bridge and reopen the roadway. The incident occurred during a heat advisory with index levels between 100 and 110 degrees.
