“Transformers 3” — the sci-fi action thriller filming in Chicago this summer — will pump $20 million into the local economy and create 200 jobs.
It's also going to create a lot of traffic, because crews will be filming in the streets.
OEMC Executive Director Jose Santiago said the closures on LaSalle Street (8 p.m. July 9 to 5 a.m. July 12), the Michigan Avenue bridge (8 p.m. July 16 to 5 a.m. July 19) and Upper Wacker Drive (9 p.m. July 18 to 5 a.m. July 22) will have the most impact on traffic. He added that most of the movie's filming in Chicago will take place during daylight.
“It's an ambitious production … but we and the producers are committed to mitigating the disruptions and addressing community concerns,” said Chicago Film Office Director Rich Moskal.
Little is known about the film's plot, but USA Today reports it will involve the Transformers' role in the space race between the U.S. and Russia. Bay, who considered shooting scenes from the original “Transformers” in Chicago before settling on Detroit, told USA Today the storyline will wrap up the trilogy.
"Transformers 3" is expected to open in 2011.
