The Reconstruction of South Lake Shore Drive (SLSD) was a unique project due to its location and the level of community interest. SLSD is one of Chicago’s primary commuter routes, carrying over 100,000 vehicles per day, but it is also a scenic drive located entirely in historic Jackson and Burnham Parks, alongside beautiful Lake Michigan. This creates conflicting demands and opinions of the road. It was in this light that the Illinois Department of Transportation undertook a major reconstruction of the Drive. The project involved the complete reconstruction of 6.4 miles of SLSD (US 41) from 23rd Street to 67th Street on Chicago’s South Side. The work included replacement of the storm sewer system and roadway lighting, the addition of five new pedestrian underpasses, reconstruction of two existing highway bridges and one pedestrian underpass, and extensive median, gateway and pedestrian plaza landscaping.

The Reconstruction of South Lake Shore Drive (SLSD) was a unique project due to its location and the level of community interest. SLSD is one of Chicago’s primary commuter routes, carrying over 100,000 vehicles per day, but it is also a scenic drive located entirely in historic Jackson and Burnham Parks, alongside beautiful Lake Michigan. This creates conflicting demands and opinions of the road. It was in this light that the Illinois Department of Transportation undertook a major reconstruction of the Drive. The project involved the complete reconstruction of 6.4 miles of SLSD (US 41) from 23rd Street to 67th Street on Chicago’s South Side. The work included replacement of the storm sewer system and roadway lighting, the addition of five new pedestrian underpasses, reconstruction of two existing highway bridges and one pedestrian underpass, and extensive median, gateway and pedestrian plaza landscaping.

External Links:

More Information: //www.cityofchicago.org/Transportation/lsd/

Further Reading:

South Lake Shore Drive Reconstruction Project

South Lake Shore Drive Powerpoint