Riverwalk Expansion / Wacker Drive Reconstruction Project

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The project encompassed the following elements of the Wacker Drive Reconstruction Project, a major initiative to improve transportation along Wacker Drive, strengthen intermodal links, and establish a continuous pedestrian walkway along the south bank of the Chicago River: Wacker Drive - Full reconstruction of Upper and Lower Wacker Drive from Randolph Street to Congress Drive Riverwalk Expansion Phases 1, 2, and 3 - Adjacent to Wacker Drive from Michigan Avenue to Lake Street, along the south bank of the Main Branch of the Chicago River The Riverwalk is a public walkway along the banks of the Chicago River, connecting the lakefront with downtown Chicago. It extends from Michigan Avenue to Lake Street, a distance of about 0.7 mile. CDOT constructed the one-block portion from Michigan to Wabash Avenue in 2009 using tax-increment financing. The remaining Riverwalk phases comprise the six blocks from State Street to Lake Street. Although each block is separated by an existing bridge that crosses the Chicago River, the blocks are connected by at-grade under-bridge connections, providing six continuous blocks of pedestrian walkway along the river. Each block features a distinct theme. Design elements include bicycle and pedestrian facilities, ADA-compliant access, public seating, sustainable native plant landscaping, and recreational spaces. Landscaping replaces the industrial seawall and provides habitat protection and restoration of the Chicago River. The project improves transportation along this important corridor and enhances safety for pedestrians with bicycle paths and pedestrian trails along the continuous promenade. The project also strengthens intermodal links to public transportation facilities provided by the Chicago Transit Authority and Metro Commuter rail.

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