Demolition of the Western Avenue viaduct will begin on March 1. An at-grade intersection will replace the old structure.
"The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that the Western Avenue viaduct, which opened in 1961, will be permanently closed on March 1," according to a press release on the City of Chicago website. "The viaduct will be demolished and replaced by a new five-leg at-grade intersection at Western, Belmont and Clybourn and is expected to be substantially complete by summer 2017."
The press release explains the significance of the removal of the viaduct:
By removing the viaduct and building the intersection at grade, the project will re-establish the fabric of the neighborhood grid and will create new opportunities for economic development and job creation in this northwest side area that borders on Lakeview and Roscoe Village. The project will boost the commercial viability of the area, improve traffic safety and enhance quality of life for the surrounding community.
The press release also includes a lot of technical detail about the project, including its impacts on traffic during demolition and construction.
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