Chicago Riverwalk
By Chris • Updated Apr 30th, 2008 • Category: Features
This summer, The Chicago Riverwalk will begin an expansion that will eventually create a seamless footpath stretching along the Chicago River, along Wacker Drive from Lake Street to Lake Michigan. The Chicago Riverwalk is currently broken into several pieces, forcing visitors to climb up and down stairs to cross over the many bridges that traverse the Chicago River. The Chicago Riverwalk expansion plans will include 17-foot wide “under-bridges” which will allow pedestrians to travel under the street-level bridges.
Currently, The Chicago Riverwalk stretches from Lake Michigan to Michigan Avenue, where visitors must ascend to street level. The first under-bridge will allow pedestrians and bikers to pass under Michigan Avenue. A second bridge under Wabash is also planned for completion by the end of 2008. Eventually, a total of 8 under-bridges will be constructed, creating a 1.2 mile trail along the Chicago River, giving bikers a safe access to the Lakefront Trail.
The Chicago Riverwalk currently features 5 outdoor cafes and that number is expected to grow as the Riverwalk expands into the future. The plans for the Chicago Riverwalk also include the possibility of a Chicago Water Taxi stop between Lake Street and Wells.
Chicago Riverwalk
Tribune – Chicagoans have a vital connection to the waterfront, whether it is the shoreline of Lake Michigan or the banks of the Chicago River.
That link will become stronger—and longer—by the end of the year when the riverwalk trail downtown is extended.
Construction is scheduled to begin in July to literally bridge the riverwalk beyond the Wabash Avenue bridge to State Street.
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