South Lake Shore Drive Reconstruction Project Phase II 

The work on the three-year $162 million reconstruction of South Lake Shore Drive from 23rd to 67th Street was completed in the summer, 2004. 

The primary goal of this reconstruction effort was to resurface and improve safety on South Lake Shore Drive. Under the leadership of the City Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) the community was involved in a 2-year planning process. Quarterly meetings were held with a community task force.

The project resulted in major improvements to south side parks. Fifteen acres of parkland were added to Burnham and Jackson parks by re-designing lane widths and exits. A median divider with trees and flowering plants was constructed from 23rd to 55th Street. Landscape improvements were also made to the south bound side of the Drive.

The most costly addition to the South Lake Shore Drive reconstruction project was the construction of four new pedestrian/bike underpasses, two at 57th Street, 59th Street and 63rd Street. 

Jackson Park users have significantly improved access to the lakefront as well as to Jackson and Washington Parks.