Three months after crews began the reconstruction of Wacker Drive, the City’s largest current roadway-reconstruction project is moving along rapidly.

Crews have completed the demolition of both Upper and Lower Wacker from Randolph Street to about 200 feet south of Washington Street.  New support columns have been installed, and crews are currently placing forms that will support the pouring of concrete for Upper Wacker Drive.

All this work has occurred while the City has kept Lower Wacker open to traffic to allow access to buildings’ loading docks and parking garages.

“This is a complex, massive construction project, and everyone involved deserves credit for keeping the work on schedule,” said CDOT Commissioner Bobby L. Ware.

Ware thanked motorists and pedestrians for their patience in navigating the many reroutes and closures the project has required.  He also thanked all the businesses and residents who have been impacted by the construction.

“Any project of this magnitude will cause disruption,” Ware said.  “CDOT has worked very hard to minimize that disruption, and has met weekly with owners and managers to address issues.  We appreciate their patience and their feedback.”  To ease the impact of the work, CDOT has maintained access to all buildings along Wacker Drive, as well as access to loading docks.  Additionally, CDOT has created a Business Support page on the Wacker Drive web site — www.wackerdrive.org — listing all businesses within the construction zone.

The Wacker reconstruction began January 3 and is proceeding south.  The current construction phase, which has closed the Randolph and Washington intersections to traffic, is scheduled to last through mid-summer.  Crews will then rebuild the roadway from just south of Washington to Monroe Street.  In 2012, crews will rebuild from Monroe to Van Buren.

Work also continues at the Wacker/Congress Parkway interchange, which is being reconfigured to improve traffic flow and safety, as well as create three acres of new green space.

Revive Wacker Drive, Part 2 will modernize Upper and Lower Wacker with a safer, more efficient roadway for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.  Built in the mid-1950s, the north-south section of Wacker Drive has lasted long beyond its useful lifespan, and is in need of a complete reconstruction.

“This project is another visible example of Mayor Daley’s commitment to investing in Chicago’s critical infrastructure,” said Ware.  “Wacker Drive is a critical downtown artery that carries 60,000 vehicles and tens of thousands of pedestrians each day.”

Funding for the project comes from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.  The total construction project cost, including construction and construction management, is estimated at around $300 million.