The document describes the South Lake Shore Drive reconstruction project in Chicago, Illinois. The project involved reconstructing the 6-lane roadway along the lakefront, including replacing bridges, realigning sections, and installing new pedestrian underpasses and landscaping/streetscape amenities. Stakeholders provided input through a citizens advisory group and design workshop. The collaborative approach resulted in a design that reduced pavement, added bicycle and pedestrian facilities, restored historic structures, and improved transit access while maintaining traffic flow.

1. Project 9
South Lake Shore Drive (US 41)
Reconstruction
Chicago, Illinois
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2. South Lake Shore Drive (SLSD) Project
 6-lane artery along lake front
 Commuting
 Tourist/recreation
 Totally within 2 parks
 Overdue for reconstruction
 Followed poorly accepted
NLSD project
 Initiated as partnership
 IDOT
 Chicago DOT (CDOT)
 Chicago Park District
Photo Sources: IDOT, CDOT, Edwards & Kelcey
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3. Project
 Complete reconstruction, incl.
bridges
 Realignments
 Storm sewer replacement
 5 new pedestrian underpasses
 Landscape/streetscape
amenities
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4. Issues, Concerns
 Congestion
 Landscaping
 Road deterioration
 Roadway appearance
 Lake water quality
 CTA (transit) access
SLSD (right), Museum of Science & Industry,
 Construction impacts on parks circulation. Source: Google Earth
 Lack of ADA-compliant facilities
 Circulation around Museum of Science and Industry
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5. CSS Approach – Stakeholders
 Citizens Advisory Group (CAG)
 Elected officials
 Friends of the Park
 Friends of Lake Michigan
 City departments
 McCormick Place
31st Street Bridge
 Museum of Science and Industry
 Neighborhood organizations
Before and after photos of SLSD depicting narrower lanes and the elimination of shoulders
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6. CSS Approach – Stakeholders
 Weekend design workshop
 Discussed objectives, values, concerns
 Sketched ideas
 Bus tour
 Education about design criteria
 Public outreach program
 12 more CAG roundtables to discuss design proposals
 Walks with project designers
Successful CSS Examples – Texas SLSD, beaches, park in vicinity of Museum of Science & Industry. Source: Google Earth
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7. Design Features (18 month plan/design period)
 Flexible criteria
 5 new ADA-compliant ped underpasses
 New beach boardwalk
Marquette Drive underpass
 New Jackson park north-south path
 Restoration of historic animal bridge
 New bike paths
 Wide sidewalks
 Lower design speeds
 New low-flow SLSD drainage system 63rd Street underpass
 Elimination of 14 acres paved surface
 Improved CTA access
 Landscaping
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