Aug 19, 2008 5:08 pm US/Central
Work To Begin On North Lake Shore Drive Potholes
Southbound Lanes Will Be Reduced For Repairs
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
One of the city's greatest landmarks is in for a partial facelift. The makeover of the north end of Lake Shore Drive starts Wednesday after the morning rush.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports for a while, that could mean the 100,000 or so drivers who use the roadway might end up in some traffic bottlenecks. But when it's all over, you can forget about ruts and potholes and bent wheel rims.
The city says the north end of Lake Shore Drive is "the most deteriorated section" of Chicago's most scenic roadway. And there's no disagreement from the drivers who use it.
"Well, you know, I come across a lot of potholes," said motorist Crosetti Dameron. "I had to have a front end put on my car. So it's rough."
"I've had, with my car, I've had some wheels that were bent and damaged," said motorist Daria Smenos.
Starting Wednesday at 10 a.m., city crews will begin a $6 million project to resurface the Drive's southbound lanes between Foster Avenue and Irving Park Road. The work is expected to take two to three months.
Here's the rub for drivers: During the project, two of the four southbound lanes will be closed but they will be opened to traffic during the morning and evening rush hours. And you can expect some southbound entrance ramps to be closed from time to time.
All of this could make for some off peak traffic jams, but not for Scott Shellberg.
"I actually avoid the Drive. I don't take it whenever I can. I only go down it for scenic drives," said motorist Scott Schellberg. "It's always backed up."
So much for the southbound lanes. The city says the pothole plagued northbound lanes will be repaired next spring, with similar closures.
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