Construction will soon begin on a project designed to reduce the cluster on one of the most congested areas along the lakefront path.
The Navy Pier Flyover project will be an elevated path that will be situated where the trail meets Navy Pier, and is designed to created a safer experience for pedestrians, bikers and inline skater.
The 16-foot-wide flyover path will extend from south of the Chicago River Bridge to Jane Addams Park, and includes stairs and a ground-level entrance for easy access. But more importantly, it will eliminate crossing conflicts with cars at Illinois Street and Grand Avenue.
The elevated path promises to be architecturally stunning, winding from the park to Upper Lake Shore Drive and around Lake Point Tower before heading back down to reconnect with the sidewalk on the bridge over the Chicago River.
Sen. Dick Durbin and Mayor Rahm Emanuel helped break ground on the project Tuesday. Durbin says the project is partially funded by federal congestion mitigation and air quality grants.
The $60 million project will be done in three phases and is expected to be completed in 2018.
Temporary lane reductions on Lake Shore Drive will be put into place starting March 24.
