CHICAGO, Jan. 2, 2002 — The South Lake Shore Drive reconstruction project continues with the first closure along the Drive itself, beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced today.
At that time, southbound Lake Shore Drive will be completely closed from Hayes Drive (6300 south) to Marquette Drive (6600 south) in Jackson Park. Northbound lanes will remain open to traffic.
As a southbound detour, traffic will be diverted west onto newly constructed Hayes Drive, then south on Richards Drive, and then east to Marquette Drive to rejoin South Lake Shore Drive. Hayes Drive from South Lake Shore Drive to Richards Drive will be one way westbound. Richards Drive will be one way southbound.
The closure is required for the safe disassembly of the Animal Bridge (historically known as South Bridge), which will be restored and reconstructed later in 2002.
"This is the first roadway closure on Lake Shore Drive since the project began last fall," said CDOT Commissioner Miguel d'Escoto. "We've worked to ensure the safest, most efficient detour for motorists, one that will have the least possible impact on traffic."
Farther north in Burnham Park, sewer construction continues along South Lake Shore Drive from 23rd to 53rd Streets. Drivers in both directions should expect shoulder and non-rush hour lane closures in the area through March.
CDOT says CTA bus stops will not be affected and access to area attractions-such as museums, cultural sites, parks, beaches, hospitals and schools-will be maintained during this phase of construction.
The City of Chicago, Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration are investing $162 million in the South Lake Shore Drive Reconstruction Project, with much of the funding coming from the Illinois FIRST program.
For more project information, please call 311 in Chicago or visit the project website at www.cityofchicago.org/Transportation. For CTA or Metra information, call the RTA at 836-7000 from any Chicagoland area code.
