Community Corner
Lake Shore Dr/Stevenson Expressway Interchange Project Completed
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the completion of work on the I-55/Lake Shore Drive Interchange.
CHICAGO, IL — The construction project at the Stevenson Expressway and Lake Shore Drive officially wrapped up, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday. The $135 million project was designed to improve traffic flow with the creation of a new ramp and elevated bridges linking I-55 and Lake Shore Drive near McCormick Place.
Crews widened ramps from one lane to two lanes, relocated signs and light poles, installed new gutters and curbs and constructed six new retaining walls. Surveillance equipment was also added to the site.
"The rebuilt interchange will increase safety, reduce travel times and provide better access to nearby landmarks," IDOT posted on its Facebook page Friday.
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
About 125,000 drivers use the interchange every day. Construction on the project began in 2015, and at times caused traffic jams for millions of commuters and visitors.
During construction, work crews discovered burned debris from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Main image courtesy of Illinois Department of Transportation
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
