Wacker Drive Now Fully Open For Traffic
By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 30, 2012 7:20PM
Chicagoans who work in the Loop are rejoicing today with the reopening of Upper and Lower Wacker Drive. The two yearlong project modernizes one of downtown Chicago’s main arteries and will reduce congestion for motorists and pedestrians while making getting through downtown easier. Additionally, the Congress Parkway Interchange is reopened.
Gov. Pat Quinn called Lower Wacker Drive “the Eighth Wonder of the World” and “part of Daniel Burnham’s vision for a vibrant downtown” while touting the Revive Wacker Drive project as a jobs creator. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said modernizing Wacker Drive is “investing in our future and an improved quality of life for Chicagoans.”
The total cost of the project was $303 million—$240 million by the federal government, $60 million from the state of Illinois Jump Start program, and $3 million from the City.