CDOT To Lead Reconstruction Of Fullerton Avenue Bridge Over Lincoln Park Lagoon

March 13, 2012

$11.6 Million Infrastructure Improvement Project to Begin Construction on Monday, March 19th

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced today that it was beginning the reconstruction of the Fullerton Parkway Bridge over the Lincoln Park Lagoon and adjacent pedestrian underpass on Monday, March 19th. 

“This important infrastructure investment includes reconfiguring the adjacent park paths to improve safety and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Key drainage and landscaping enhancements are provided in this design, as well as critical safety and access improvements,” said CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein.  “The project was developed in coordination with the Chicago Park District and local community groups to improve the overall parkland experience, especially with regards to pedestrian safety and congestion mitigation.”

The well-traveled Fullerton Parkway Bridge, which was originally built in 1940, needs to be replaced due to its deteriorated condition. The $11.6 million project is being financed through FHWA and IDOT.  Construction is expected to continue through December, with the landscaping and final improvements to be completed by spring of next year.

The construction work will be staged to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction and one sidewalk along Fullerton at all times.  The pedestrian underpass will be closed, and a detour will be posted along the path north and south of the site.

The project will include the following roadway, pedestrian, park improvements:

  • Construction of a new aesthetically pleasing bridge structure
  • Replication of the existing art-deco façade to maintain historic character of Lincoln Park
  • Creation of a new 20-foot-wide pedestrian underpass west of the Lagoon
  • Installation of stainless steel railings to protect bicyclists and pedestrians
  • Elimination of the center pier to enhance rowing activities in the Lagoon
  • Routing of pedestrian traffic to the north side of the bridge for improved safety
  • Improved drainage for pedestrian underpass to promote use of full width (20’)
  • Reconfiguration of paths for ADA compliance to best accommodate all users
  • Improved underpass and street lighting
  • New traffic signals with synchronized timings east of Cannon Drive
  • Fewer points of conflict with pedestrians (reducing accidents)
  • Additional approach lane to Lake Shore Drive southbound ramp to alleviate back-up on Fullerton

Several trees will need to be removed as part of the construction project, but will be replaced on a per-inch basis.  A total of 122 new trees will be planted in the area to replace the ones that need to be removed.

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