This page shows news articles related to specific greenways and communities.
All News Clips
Back to List
Flyover Wins Fans, But Fans Some Fear
Dec 1, 2001
Randy Warren and Steve Buchtel
CBF's Bike Traffic
Pertains to Lakefront Path, Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago


At a November 4 public meeting, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) unveiled the preliminary scope of work for the Navy Pier Flyover, a $6 million rub for the pinch caused by at-grade crossings for lakefront path users at Grand Ave. and Illinois Street at Navy Pier.

As of the 11/4 meeting, proposed new construction for the Flyover includes:

* Jane Addams Viaduct: Spans from the existing bike path at the northern end of Jane Addams Park to upper LSD crossing over Ohio Street underpass and Grand Avenue.
* Emergency Lane Section West of Lake Point Tower: Constructed using the existing emergency lane of the upper Lake Shore Drive just west of Lake Point Tower. A portion of LSD will be modified to support the new path. A special parapet railing will separate the cars from bikes and pedestrians.
* Illinois Street Viaduct: Spans between the upper level of LSD and the north side of Ogden Slip, crossing over Illinois Street and sidewalks and forming a new 16-foot wide path just east of LSD. A portion of the existing structure will be modified to allow for the new path to pass below the existing Navy Pier car off ramp.
* Ogden Slip Bridge: A ramp exiting Navy Pier will be connected to this bridge at the northeast side. The main path will connect to this bridge at both ends.
* De Sable Park Viaduct: This segment is a 16-foot wide path cantilevered off lower LSD, and spanning approximately 560 feet between the proposed Ogden Slip bridge and the north end of LSD Bascule Bridge, where it rejoins the existing Lakefront Path.
* Navy Pier Ramp: Will connect the proposed path to Navy Pier, paralleling the existing car off ramp south of Illinois Street.
* Wayfinding System: Will provide directional signage throughout the project.

Nearly 100 people, including many CBF members, attended the meeting. The enthusiastic turnout of bike riders reinforced the importance of the Flyover. In fact, even Lake Point Tower residents acknowledged and applauded the improvements that the project will bring.

Lake Point Tower residents have felt terrorized for years by lakefront path traffic in its current configuration. A dramatic skyscraper that rises upward from a squat, 3-story base, the Tower sits between the path and Navy Pier. From both the path and the Tower’s sidewalks, support beams for LSD and the building itself create several blind spots. Add bike riders more intent on crossing Grand and Illinois at speed than not frightening peds on the sidewalk, and it’s easy to see why vaulting lakefront path traffic up and over this area appeals to Tower residents.

Despite their support for alleviating the danger at sidewalk level, Lake Point Tower residents expressed concern about the Flyover’s threat to their building’s security. Where it incorporates part of LSD, the Flyover will pass by the Tower’s lower structure only nine inches away. But because the Flyover at its highest point runs level with LSD, the top of that part of the building still rises more than 13’ above Flyover traffic. Still, Lake Point Tower residents were quick to point out that 13’ is quite scalable using grappling hooks.

CDOT seems committed to building the highest profile bike facilty in America while giving top priority to the security concerns of Lake Point Tower residents. CDOT wants to build the Flyover during winter’s low traffic months, and believes construction could start in late 2002.

Until then, ride slowly around the Pier. And if you want to scale Lake Point Tower, we recommend making a reservation at Citè on the 70th floor.

   
»»»»»
Greenway Trails
» » »Existing
» » »Project
» » »Potential
Greenway Maps
» » »by Agency
» » »by Scope
Community Systems
» » »Active
» » »Typical
» » »Sedentary
» » »Dead-end
Grade Separations
» » »Existing
» » »Needed
Trail Development
» » »News

» » »Events
Greenway Advocacy Materials
Bicycle Underpass/Overpass Gallery
About Greenway Planning Database
About Steve Breese
PalatineRoad.com
Contact Steve Breese
Greenway Links

ArlingtonTrotters.com
Fast Track Racing Team

COGO
Technical Corner