Could Chicago's Lake Shore Drive Get a Complete Street Makeover?

As the State of Illinois and City of Chicago begin envisioning the future of North Lake Shore Drive, a coalition of 15 local advocacy groups have put forth a plan to return the artery to the original vision put forth by Daniel Burnham.

August 7, 2013, 8am PDT | Jonathan Nettler | @nettsj

"State and city transportation officials Tuesday kick off three days of public hearings on how to overhaul North Lake Shore Drive, but a coalition of 15 civic groups has already proposed a dramatic reworking of Chicago’s famous scenic drive," reports Rosalind Rossi.

"The 'Our Lakefront' plan would reduce the speed limit from Grand Avenue to Hollywood from 40 to 35 mph; create bus-only or high-speed-rail lanes; construct a nearby lane for high-speed bicylists; reduce parking and add greenery."

"Lake Shore Drive was originally designed as 'a boulevard. It was a pleasure drive early on,’' said Lee Crandell of the Active Transportation Alliance, among the 15 groups that helped to write the 'Our Lakefront' plan."

“It’s slowly turned into a freeway,’’ Crandell said. “We want it to feel like a boulevard.’’

Full Story:

Lake Shore Drive proposal: 35 mph speed limit, lanes for bikes, buses, trains

Published on Monday, August 5, 2013 in Chicago Sun-Times