BRIEF: Torrence Avenue bridge demolished, replacement due next year

March 03--Construction crews kicked off the demolition of the Torrence Avenue bridge on Thursday with a bang.

Workers blasted the existing framework of the Far South Side bridge into the Grand Calumet River where it will be dismantled, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Far South Side bridge, which spans over the Grand Calumet River, about a mile south of 130th Street, had been closed in May 2015 after a routine inspection revealed structural steel had deteriorated and was no longer safe.

IDOT said a new, "more modern style" bridge with a multi-use path will be built in its place. The new bridge, which will accommodate bicicylists and pedestrians, is scheduled to be finished in summer 2017.

Until the project is complete, northbound traffic will be detoured east on Sibley Boulevard, north on Burnham Avenue and northwest on Brainard Avenue to rejoin with Torrence Avenue. Southbound traffic will diverted southeast on Brainard Avenue, south on Burnham Avenue and west on Burham to reconnect to Torrence Avenue.

For traffic updates, visit www.travelmidwest.com.