CHICAGO, July 9, 2002 — A unique traffic control system designed to improve traffic flow is coming to the South Lake Shore Drive reconstruction zone, the Chicago Department of Transportation announced today.
An innovative movable barrier that simultaneously closes a lane in one direction while it opens a lane in the other direction will move along the center lane of traffic between the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) and 47th Street to create a temporary third reversible lane. Since only five lanes of traffic will be available during construction, the system allows the roadway capacity to be changed to help meet peak demand.
"This is the first time we've used this unique equipment in Chicago," said Miguel d'Escoto, CDOT commissioner. "It will help improve traffic flow during the construction project by giving inbound traffic an extra lane in the morning and outbound traffic an extra lane in the afternoon."
The system's first use on South Lake Shore Drive will be to open the third lane outbound in time for today's (July 9) afternoon rush hour.
Used in other U.S. cities, this system can transfer barrier wall at speeds up to 7 mph to open and close lanes. On South Lake Shore Drive, the changeover could take about an hour.
Even with a third lane during peak travel times, traffic is expected to be slow going along much of South Lake Shore Drive during the construction season. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes, use public transportation, or travel during off-peak times.
Between 23rd and 47th Streets, there will be either two or three lanes in each direction. Between 47th Street and 57th Drive, there will be two lanes in each direction. A third reversible lane will be in use between 23rd and 47th Streets.
At various points along the Drive, traffic will shift between the northbound and southbound pavement. Signs and barriers will direct traffic.
The lane reductions and shifts will be in place through December of this year. The roadway changes are necessary as crews begin to reconstruct the decades-old pavement along South Lake Shore Drive.
During construction, access to area museums, cultural sites, parks, beaches, hospitals and schools will be maintained. Expect limited street parking near the parks and along the alternate routes.
The City of Chicago, Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration are investing $162 million in the South Lake Shore Drive Reconstruction Project, with much of the funding coming from the Illinois FIRST program.
For more project information, please call 311 in Chicago or visit the project website at www.cityofchicago.org/Transportation. For CTA or Metra information, call the RTA at 836-7000 from any Chicagoland area code.
