Chicago Removed River North Staircase After Safety Review
Local businesses and pedestrians face adjusted foot traffic patterns as the city plans a replacement project.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Construction
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The Chicago Department of Transportation removed a public staircase at the corner of Wabash and Hubbard in River North earlier this month due to structural integrity concerns. A replacement project is now in the early planning stages for the site, which had been cordoned off since 2021.
Why it matters
The closure and removal of this access point shift pedestrian flow for businesses in the immediate River North vicinity. Operators now face a period of uncertainty regarding sidewalk accessibility and infrastructure timelines before the replacement staircase construction begins.
The city removed one staircase at the Wabash and Hubbard corner after it remained cordoned off with barriers and netting since August 2021. The department of transportation has replaced the area with a temporary concrete patch while awaiting an e-bid process for the new structure.
The players
Chicago Department of Transportation
The municipal agency responsible for maintaining and regulating public infrastructure and urban mobility.
Brendan Reilly
The 42nd Ward alderman whose office oversees local constituent infrastructure requests in the River North area.
The details
The Chicago Department of Transportation shuttered the staircase following reports from the 42nd Ward alderman's office regarding its structural condition. Crews deconstructed the unit and filled the footprint with concrete to ensure immediate sidewalk safety for the public. The site is currently designated for a future capital improvement project that will require competitive bidding.
Timeline
August 2021: Barriers and orange netting were installed at the staircase.
September 2026: The city removed the staircase.
Spring 2027: Construction on a replacement staircase is expected to start.
Market Landscape
The removal follows the standard Chicago public infrastructure capital improvement bidding process for maintenance projects. This site transition reflects the typical timeline for city-managed repairs that move from emergency safety intervention to long-term site restoration.
Businesses near Wabash and Hubbard should account for ongoing sidewalk footprint changes and potential construction staging in early 2027. Owners should monitor upcoming municipal bid notices if their operations rely on accessibility at this specific corner.
The takeaway
Maintaining visibility of city infrastructure projects is essential for operators in high-traffic urban corridors. Businesses should track city procurement announcements to anticipate the timing of future construction and sidewalk closures in their immediate area.
What happens next
The 42nd Ward alderman's office plans to open the replacement project to an e-bid process before construction begins in the spring of 2027.
Further reading
For updates on local site developments, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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