Several Chicago streets are closing this week in advance of the highest skyscraper walk in Flying Wallenda history.
Nik Wallenda, a 7th generation member of the famous family of daredevils, plans to walk a tightrope between two sets of Loop skyscrapers at around 6 p.m. on Sunday.
"This is the steepest incline that I've ever walked, but again it's about me pushing myself to the limit within reason," Wallenda said.
Between 9 p.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday, Wacker Drive will close from Dearborn Street to State Street, and the Dearborn Street and State Street bridges will shut down for the set up of stage and production areas.
Between 5 p.m. and midnight on Sunday, Wacker Drive will close from Clark to Wabash Street. In addition, State Street closes from Lake to Kinzie and Dearborn closes from Lake to Kinzie, though local access to buildings and businesses will be managed by Chicago Police and security.
The public can view Wallenda's stunt on Wacker Drive from Clark Street to Dearborn Street, entering from Clark, and Wacker Drive from Wabash Street to State Street, entering from Wabash.
Wallenda first plans to walk from Marina City’s 534-foot-tall west tower, across the Chicago River, to the 635-foot-tall Leo Burnett Building at a 15-degree angle, uphill without a net or harness. The stretch spans two city blocks.
He then will walk between Marina City’s west and east towers, blindfolded. The stunt will be televised live on the Discovery Channel.
"Chicago, the Windy City, that was, believe it or not, very alluring to me," Wallenda said. "Most people would think a wire walker doesn't want to go to the Windy City, but I enjoy the challenges."
