Public Asked to Weigh in on Latest 'Redefine the Drive' Lakeshore Drive Concepts

CHICAGO - Residents and other stakeholders are invited to weigh in on a number of renderings for the future of Chicago's Lake Shore Drive.

While members of the public were welcome to attend a Wednesday open house from 3 to 7 p.m. at DePaul University's Lincoln Park student center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, others are urged to provide their feedback online. At the center of both discussions is "Redefine the Drive," the Illinois Department of Transportation and Chicago Department of Transportation's multi-year vision of transforming the city's most popular thoroughfare.

"Though the updated plans don’t bury the Outer Drive to the same extent as the conceptual images presented earlier this year by 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, the alternative proposals still call for large swaths of new beach and parkland to be created with lakefill between Oak Street Beach and Lincoln Park," reports Curbed Chicago. "The plan would also reduce the severity of the dangerous Oak Street S-bend and replace the Chicago Avenue stoplight with a new underpass."

Prior to presenting potential enhancements, the groups conducted a study between Grand Avenue and Hollywood Avenue. Residents have until Aug. 9 to complete the online survey, which — among other things —solicits feedback about adding park space and more pedestrian friendly options.

Image via North Lake Shore Drive