Finishing touches coming in 2004

Click on the images below view an enlarged photo. A reconstructed and restored Animal Bridge, as seen from the west, has reopened in Jackson Park. The bridge will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2004. A new 31st Street Bridge is fully open to traffic near McCormick Place. A new median barrier wall, also known as a "Chicago Wall," has replaced the yellow Jersey Wall as part of the South Lake Shore Drive reconstruction project. A completed section is shown in Burnham Park. The Chicago Wall was designed by City of Chicago traffic engineers for its strength and safety. Its durable and streamlined appearance has been copied by other U.S. cities. Similar in design to Burnham Park's "Chicago Wall," this completed barrier wall in Jackson Park will guard pedestrians and bicyclists from traffic. The 59th Street Underpass (top) as it begins to take shape in Jackson Park. An artist's rendering (above) illustrates the structure's post-construction appearance.

The results of the South Lake Shore Drive reconstruction project are really taking shape. Much of the Burnham Park section from 23rd Street to 57th Drive is complete. Finishing touches and landscaping are all that remain. Drivers should expect off-peak lane closures in the area.

Other work, such as landscaping and pathway installation, will continue into mid 2004.

Click here for a map of South Lake Shore Drive and affected areas

Spring 2004 Construction

• 57th Drive from Hyde Park Blvd. to Everett Ave. in front of Museum of Science and Industry
  Traffic: Open to westbound traffic only. Eastbound traffic should detour via southbound Cornell Drive to eastbound Hayes Drive (6300 south) to access Lake Shore Drive. Eastbound drivers may also enter Lake Shore Drive at 47th Street.
  Work: Reconstruction of 57th Drive.
  Completion:Late Spring 2004.
  
  
• South Lake Shore Drive from 23rd St. to 67th St. in Burnham & Jackson Parks
  Traffic: Open to traffic. Non-rush hour lane closures should be expected in most areas.
  Work: Ongoing ped/bike underpass construction, median landscaping, barrier wall construction, and boardwalk construction.
  Completion: 2004
  
  
• Richards Drive at Hayes Drive in Jackson Park
  Traffic: Closed at Hayes Drive. Traffic will access from the south by traveling east on Marquette Drive from Stony Island Avenue.
  Work: Roadway improvements in area of Golden Lady Circle.
  Completion:2004.
  
  
• Bicycle and pedestrian path from 23rd Street to 67th Street
  Traffic: Access is maintained with intermittent detours to and from temporary paths.
  Work: Construction of sea walls, underpasses and boardwalk.
  Completion: 2004
  
  
• Area Attractions and Parking
  CTA service and access to museums, cultural sites, parks, beaches, hospitals and schools will be maintained. Access to most lots and limited street parking will be maintained.

Amenities to emerge