Canal Street Viaducts and Roadway Rehabilitation Improvements
Phase II: Canal Street from Jackson Boulevard to Harrison Street
Update: January 2024
Phase II of the Canal Street project is viaduct rehabilitation of Canal Street from Jackson Boulevard to Van Buren Street, and reconstruction of Canal Street from Van Buren Street to Harrison Street.
Key Improvements Include:
1- Bridge reconstruction: Complete removal and reconstruction of the Viaduct along Canal between Jackson and Van Buren.
2- Road reconstruction and Sidewalk upgrades: Reconstructing the pavement, sidewalks, and retaining walls between Van Buren and Harrison
3- Drainage Improvements: Replacing the existing 8” clay storm sewer with 8”-18” ductile iron and installing new catch basins.
4- Lighting enhancements: Installation of new street lighting and viaduct lighting.
5- Traffic Modernization: Updating traffic signal cable at Van Buren
Potential Impacts:
We strive to minimize inconvenience during this project, but some temporary disruptions may occur:
Sidewalk Access: The west side sidewalk will remain open during stage 1 construction; stage 2 will have traffic switch over to the newly constructed east half of Canal.
Access to Businesses: Access to 320 S. Canal, 525 W. Van Buren, The Old Post Office Parking Garage, United States Custom House, and United States Postal Service will remain open, as will the loading dock for The Old Post Office. Coordination with property managers will be done before construction regarding access to parking garage entrances and exits.
Noise and Dust: Construction will occur both day and night, so some noise and dust should be expected as part of the activities.
Divvy Station: Divvy Stations on Canal between Jackson and Van Buren were relocated to the south side of Jackson between Canal and Clinton.
Communication and Updates:
March 2024:
The east half of Canal, including roadway and sidewalks is being rehabilitated for the first stage of the project. Vehicular traffic will remain one way northbound, and pedestrian traffic will travel on the west side of canal.
Stage 1 Canal – Jackson to Van Buren: Work will consist of complete reconstruction of the viaduct over Chicago Union Station tracks, the east half of canal will be closed until late summer of 2025.
Stage 1 Canal – Jackson to Van Buren: Work will consist of retaining wall repairs, updated drainage structures, complete reconstruction of the sidewalk and pavement. Stage 2 for construction of the west half of Canal is expected to begin late 2024.