I-55 and Lake Shore Drive Interchange Reconstruction, Chicago, Illinois
The I-55 and Lakeshore Drive (Stevenson Expressway, US Route 41) interchange was reconstructed to improve traffic flow and replace aging infrastructure. The Illinois Department of Transportation is undertaking the reconstruction of the interchange in Chicago. At its eastern terminus, I-55 links into Lake Shore Drive via several ramps and bridges. This urban expressway is neighboring to McCormick Place and Soldier Field. It connects the neighborhoods and the lakefront from the south, to the Central Business District and the Loop to the north.
The project limits along I-55 include :
- Structure and approach roadways extending from Prairie Avenue spanning over Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
- Illinois Central (IC) Railroad/METRA Electric tracks to Lake Shore Drive.
The improvement limits along Lake Shore Drive extend from approximately 23rd Street near Soldier Field to approximately 1000’ north of 31st Street. In summary, the total project length including the six bridge structures is approximately 1.1 miles.
IDOT contracted with Kenny Construction for the outbound ramps and IHC for the inbound ramps of the complex interchange. Both companies selected DLZ to provide construction layout and surveying assistance for the project. Our team used advanced laser scanning to ensure project tolerances within acceptable ranges. As-built surveys were performed and reports generated on an as-needed basis.
