Lakefront Trail Widening at DLSD Bascule Bridge – Lake Shore Drive over Chicago River

Project Overview

Description

Expansion and enhancement of the Lakefront Trail at the DLSD Bascule Bridge spanning Lake Shore Drive over the Chicago River. The existing structure dates to original construction in 1937 with major alteration in 1987.

HBM's Scope

Scope of Work

• ›Document review and field inspection
• ›Structural analysis and design for pedestrian ramp modifications
• ›North slab-bridge construction
• ›Counterweight pit rehabilitation
• ›Bent extensions and modifications
• ›Bridge house modifications
• ›Fixed bridge repairs
• ›Movable span design support
• ›Specifications, special provisions, and quantity calculations
• ›Shop drawing review
• ›Phase III Construction Support — QA/QC
• ›Original construction 1937; major alteration 1987
• ›Four key components: Chicago River Bascule Bridge (SN 016-6030) — double-leaf, twin-level trunnion design; Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge South of the River (SN 016-1405) — six-span; Lake Shore Drive–Wacker Drive Intersection Bents 1–5 (SN 016-6491); Lake Shore Drive from Chicago River to Ogden Slip (SN 016-6103) — 5-span

Highlights

Project Highlights

• Chicago River Bascule Bridge: double-leaf, twin-level trunnion design
• Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge south of river
• Façade wall replicated on the east side, supported on a new foundation using micro-piles
• Hinged sidewalk sections, each 24-feet wide by 40-feet long, serving as independently balanced bascule structures while maintaining Coast Guard clearances; described as a first-of-its-kind design globally
• Maintained continuous trail access for up to 30,000 daily users throughout construction

Recognition

Awards

• ★ ACEC-IL Engineering Excellence Award 2023 – Honor Award, Structural Systems