First Stretch Of Lakefront Trail That Splits Pedestrians, Cyclists Officially Open

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jul 7, 2017 3:00PM

City of Chicago

The first section of Chicago's ambitious mission to separate the Lakefront Trail—one for pedestrians and another for cyclists—is officially complete, the city announced on Friday.

The completed stretch runs from 31st to 41st Street. It had actually been open prior to Friday morning's ribbon-cutting announcement, but the city had yet to formally herald its arrival. (This writer has biked the new trail section multiple times in recent weeks and can confirm the separation makes a marked improvement.)

The full project will see the full 18-mile Trail split. Crews are currently working on the stretch between Fullerton Avenue and Ohio Street, with additional construction between 31st and 51st Streets, according to a City of Chicago release. The entire separation is expected to be finished next year.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel last year announced plans to separate seven miles of the Lakefront Trail into distinct bike and pedestrian paths, but the plan was expanded to encompass the entire Trail after billionaire businessman—and financial backer of Emanuel and Gov. Bruce Rauner—Ken Griffin donated $12 million to the Chicago Park District.

"I am excited to see this project move another step closer toward completion” Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly said in a release. "The section between 31st Street and 41st street will give people a taste of what’s to come for the rest of the Lakefront Trail."