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Demolition to Begin on Western-Belmont Overpass Next Week

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A section of Western will close to vehicle traffic next week

In just a few days, the busy Belmont and Western intersection will shut down to vehicle traffic to begin preparations for the demolition of the aging Western overpass that has stood at the stretch for decades. Built in 1961 to help motorists navigate through the Riverview Park amusement park that spanned over 70 acres on the city's North Side, the overpass has deteriorated over the years and will be removed starting next week. Starting on Friday, March 8 at 8:00 p.m., Western Avenue will be closed between Nelson and Roscoe streets. The busy road will reopen on Monday, March 7 at 5:00 a.m. with a temporary lane pattern. The drab overpass, which almost acts as a divider between the Roscoe Village neighborhood and neighborhoods like Avondale and Logan Square, will not be returning to the intersection. Instead, 1.3 miles of new road and wide sidewalks will take its place. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2017.

·Western-Belmont Will Completely Shut Down March 4 for Viaduct Demolition [DNAinfo]

·Western & Belmont Viaduct To Vanish, 1.3 Miles of Wider Sidewalks Planned [Streetsblog Chicago]

·The Western Avenue Viaduct Is Crumbling Before Our Eyes [Curbed Chicago]