
CHICAGO (CBS) — A major pedestrian project has moved a step closer to reality in the Bronzeville neighborhood.
CBS 2’s Susanna Song reports construction has been slated to begin this fall on two new pedestrian and bicycle bridges over Lake Shore Drive at 41st and 43rd streets. They will replace an outdated bridge at 43rd Street that has no ramp for bicycle or wheelchair access.
READ MORE: With Vaccinations Lagging And COVID Cases Rising Among Black Chicagoans, Mayor Lightfoot Says 'We Need To Send Out The Alarm'Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he wants to make sure “that folks from every part of city have access to the greatest natural resource we have, which is Lake Michigan.”
“For too long, people have been cut off. They can see the lake, they can watch others, but they have to go a distance – a mile either way – to have access to the lake,” he added.
Officials also said the project would create more than 420 jobs, and cost $42.5 million. It’s been funded in part by an $18.75 million federal TIGER grant, established during the recent recession to invest in infrastructure. Additional funding will come from state and federal programs.
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