The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today opened the newly reconstructed Fullerton Parkway Bridge over the Lincoln Park Lagoon to vehicular traffic, marking the completion of another key project in the City’s Building a New Chicago infrastructure investment program. 

“With this bridge project, we reconfigured the adjacent park paths to improve safety, improved drainage and landscaping in the park, and made critical traffic safety and signal improvements,” said CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein.  “Importantly, we completed the project on time and on budget.”

The construction work, which began in March, was staged to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction and one sidewalk along Fullerton at all times. 

“The well-traveled Fullerton Parkway Bridge, which was originally built in 1940, needed to be replaced due to its deteriorated condition,” said Congressman Mike Quigley (5th District). “We now have a new bridge that will give Chicagoans more access to enjoy activities in Lincoln Park.”

The project included the following roadway, pedestrian, and park improvements:

• Construction of a new aesthetically pleasing bridge structure 
• Replication of the previous bridge’s art-deco façade to maintain historic character of Lincoln Park 
• Creation of a new 20-foot-wide pedestrian underpass west of the Lagoon 
• Installation of stainless steel railings to protect bicyclists and pedestrians 
• Elimination of the center pier to enhance rowing activities in the Lagoon 
• Routing of pedestrian traffic to the north side of the bridge for improved safety 
• Improved drainage for pedestrian underpass 
• Reconfiguration of paths for ADA compliance to best accommodate all users 
• Improved underpass and street lighting 
• New traffic signals with synchronized timings east of Cannon Drive 
• Fewer points of conflict with pedestrians 
• Additional approach lane to Lake Shore Drive southbound ramp to alleviate back-up on Fullerton

The $12 million construction project was funded through the Federal Highway Administration and the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

“Thanks to our continued investment in our infrastructure, this rebuilt bridge will serve as a beautiful gateway to the Lincoln Park neighborhood for many decades to come,” said Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton (6th District).

“The bridge is now safer, more accessible and aesthetically pleasing for motorists, pedestrians, joggers and cyclists, and is a tremendous asset to the community,” said State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (12th District).

Several trees were removed as part of the construction project, but will be replaced on a per-inch basis.   A total of 122 new trees will be planted in the area to replace the ones removed.   

While the bridge is now fully open to vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles, the landscaping and final improvements will be completed by spring of next year.  

“The project was developed in coordination with the Chicago Park District and local community groups to improve the overall parkland experience, especially with regards to pedestrian safety and traffic congestion,” said Ald. Michele Smith (43rd Ward). 

The multi-use trail underpass on the west side of the bridge will open on December 21st after the lighting and final surface grading is complete.

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