It’s that time of year again: The first of Chicago’s fall bridge lifts began this week and will continue through mid-November.

       While sightseers might view it as an opportunity for commemorative photos, for many motorists, this annual Chicago tradition is just another traffic pitfall during the morning commute.

       Bridge lift season comes around twice a year, in fall and spring. Following the first fall lift, the bridges will be lifted twice a week at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. Saturday, until Nov. 13.

       Here’s everything you need to know about the bridge lifts and how they may affect your mornings.

       Why are the bridges being lifted?

       The bridges along the main and south branches of the Chicago River are lifted in the fall to allow sailboats and other recreational boats to make their yearly trips from Lake Michigan’s open waters into their winter storage facilities.

       The same process occurs in reverse in spring when boats make their way back onto Lake Michigan so their owners can enjoy the warmer, calmer waters.

       Where are the bridges being lifted?

       In total, 27 bridges are lifted during the biannual event.

       The bridges on the following streets will be affected: Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Drive, Michigan Avenue, Wabash Avenue, State Street, Dearborn Street, Clark Street, LaSalle Street, Wells Street, Franklin Street, Lake Street, Randolph Street, Washington Street, Madison Street, Monroe Street, Adams Street, Jackson Boulevard, Van Buren Street, Congress Parkway, Harrison Street, Roosevelt Road, 18th Street, Canal Street, Cermak Avenue, Halsted Street, Loomis Avenue and Ashland Avenue.

       According to the Chicago Department of Transportation, if no boat owners have planned to move their boats at a given bridge on a scheduled day, the bridge won’t be lifted until the next scheduled event.

       How long is each lift?

       The bridges are usually raised one at a time and each lift takes roughly eight to 12 minutes.

       Chicago transportation officials advised that, due to ongoing work, the Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge may have “longer than usual delays.” The department urged motorists to take alternate routes to avoid the delays.

       sygoodman@chicagotribune.com

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