City to Start Much Needed Viaduct Upgrades

Deborah Bayliss | As of Wednesday, April 1, 2015

This viaduct shown here at South Spalding Avenue is an example of viaducts across Chicago in need of upgrades. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced plans to upgrade 80 viaducts in neighborhoods across the city to make much needed infrastructure improvements.

Driving or walking underneath viaducts in Chicago can be a scary experience taking into consideration the existence of potholes, crumbling sidewalks, poor lighting and trash. Additionally, many of them appear dilapidated and are in need of a good coat of paint.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced plans to upgrade 80 viaducts in neighborhoods across the city to make much needed infrastructure improvements.

“Viaducts are an important part of the transportation infrastructure in many Chicago neighborhoods,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Viaducts knit many of our neighborhoods together - but if they are not maintained properly, they do the opposite. These repairs and stepped up maintenance work are an important part of my administration’s efforts to improve the quality of life in all of Chicago’s neighborhoods.”

Major roadway reconstruction work will begin on 11 viaducts starting this spring, including repaving, new curbs and gutters, sidewalk improvements, improved storm water management, and new pavement markings.

CDOT worked with the Chicago Police Department to prioritize improvements on another 50 viaducts across Chicago based on public safety needs. These viaducts will receive targeted sidewalk improvements, lighting upgrades and new paint as needed. An additional 19 viaducts will also receive lighting repairs and other upgrades.

Additionally, Mayor Emanuel directed CDOT to conduct a citywide survey of road and sidewalk conditions at freight rail viaducts in order to prioritize additional maintenance needs and future improvements.

The City is responsible for the condition of right-of-way under railroad viaduct structures. The railroads own more than half of the approximately 1,500 viaducts in Chicago and are responsible for the condition of the structures.

All 80 locations are identified on a map on the City of Chicago website. The 11 locations with major roadway reconstructions include:

· 1530 S. Paulina Ave.

· 1530 S. Wood St.

· 2500 W. 16th St.

· 2500 W. 21st St.

· 2500 W. 24th St.

· 600 W. 80th St.

· 600 W. 78th St.

· 9300 S. St Lawrence

· 2230 E. 86th St.

· 8950 S. Colfax Ave.

· 9250 S. Exchange Ave.