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Local Politicians Cut Ribbon On Lake Shore Drive Extension

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Local politicians gathered this morning to cut the ribbon on an expansion of Lake Shore Drive, reports WBBM's Nancy Harty.

Local Politicians Cut Ribbon On Lake Shore Drive Extension

Years in the making, this two mile extension of Lake Shore Drive from 79th to 92nd is complete. The $64 million project opened to cyclists and joggers Saturday morning and tomorrow it is the cars turn.

Dan McCaffery, CEO of the development firm that is working with U.S. Steel to transform the 600 acres around the former South Works site, says the new road will serve the South Shore neighborhood.

"A lot of people think that because the land is empty that the community is empty. It is not. It is a very densely populated community as you can see. This is just giving the community room to expand and the city room to expand," said McCaffery.

He says now that the road is here., he expects, residential, commercial and retail development to follow. He was joined by Mayor Emanuel, Governor Quinn and U.S. Senator Durbin for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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