Renovations to an historic Chicago street that winds above and below the city's downtown are almost complete.
The massive Wacker Drive reconstruction project is in its last phase, and Chicagoans got a first look at it Thursday.
Governor Quinn, state, city transportation officials showcased some of the $303 million in improvements to Wacker Drive Thursday morning.
That includes wider lanes, more lighting and extra room for pedestrians. The once major thoroughfare has been torn up for almost two-and-a-half years. The project is to finish in December.
Construction crews finished one phase of reconstruction of Wacker Drive in 2002. This second phase began in 2010.
Sections of the roadway were built in 1926. It's an unusual street because it runs north, south, east and west and connects to major freeways.
Wacker Drive has been showcased on the big screen. The street's lower level was featured in 2008's "The Dark Knight" as Batman zipped around the city. Sections were also featured in the third "Transformers" movie.
Transportation officials said the project will be completed on schedule and under budget.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:49:58 GMT
Nine stops on the south branch of the CTA's Red Line – from Cermak/Chinatown to 95th/Dan Ryan - will be shut down starting Sunday for a five-month $1 billion reconstruction project.
Nine stops on the south branch of the CTA's Red Line – from Cermak/Chinatown to 95th/Dan Ryan - will be shut down starting Sunday for a five-month $1 billion reconstruction project.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:00 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:00:03 GMT
A truck driver was seriously injured when the semi-truck he was driving overturned on the exit ramp from the outbound Eisenhower Expressway to Route 83 North.
A truck driver was seriously injured when the semi-truck he was driving overturned on the exit ramp from the outbound Eisenhower Expressway to Route 83 North.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:51 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:51:57 GMT
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 AM EDT2013-05-15 13:12:16 GMT
A 38-year-old woman accused of dragging a Chicago Police officer from a vehicle while speeding away from a traffic stop Monday night has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, police said.
A 38-year-old woman accused of dragging a Chicago Police officer from a vehicle while speeding away from a traffic stop Monday night has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, police said.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:46 PM EDT2013-05-14 18:46:01 GMT
An 11-month-old girl was in "stable" condition at an area hospital Tuesday morning after she was ejected from an SUV during an auto accident in the River North neighborhood.
An 11-month-old girl was in "stable" condition at an area hospital Tuesday morning after she was ejected from an SUV during an auto accident in the River North neighborhood.
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