Goose Island traffic worsens amid bridge closures, business leaders call for solutions | ChicagoLIVE

May 6, 2026 - 03:24

Traffic congestion on Goose Island is intensifying as nearby bridge closures create major bottlenecks along Division Street and Elston Avenue. Business leaders in the industrial corridor are now calling for urgent solutions as the daily commute turns into a frustrating ordeal for truck drivers and commuters alike.

The problem stems from the closure of several key bridges that connect the island to the rest of Chicago. With fewer routes available, vehicles are forced onto already crowded streets, causing backups that stretch for blocks during peak hours. Local logistics companies report that delivery times have doubled, and some drivers are avoiding the area entirely.

"We are seeing a real crisis here," said one business owner who asked not to be named. "Trucks are sitting in traffic for 45 minutes just to move a few blocks. It is costing us money and patience."

The closures are part of ongoing infrastructure repairs, but no clear timeline has been given for when the bridges will reopen. In the meantime, the Chicago Department of Transportation has not announced any temporary traffic management measures, leaving drivers to fend for themselves.

Business leaders are urging the city to consider staggered construction schedules or temporary detour routes. Some have even suggested reopening one lane of the closed bridges during off-peak hours. Without action, they warn that the gridlock could drive companies out of the neighborhood, hurting the local economy.

Residents are also feeling the pain. Commuters who rely on Division Street to get to work say they are now leaving home 30 minutes earlier just to arrive on time. The situation shows no signs of improving soon, and frustration is mounting on all sides.