LOCATION: Chicago, IL, USA
CONSULTANT: EXP
The iconic new 35th Street Pedestrian Bridge provides a dramatic crossing of Lake Shore Drive and the Metra railroad tracks, connecting the Bronzeville community with Chicago’s lakefront. At 620 feet in length, it is the City of Chicago’s longest pedestrian bridge, and one of only a few mono-cable suspension bridges in the US. A reverse horizontal curve provides panoramic views of Burnham Park, Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Every detail of the bridge has been designed to complement the unique structural form. Soaring over 120 feet above Lake Shore Drive, the main pylon can be viewed from numerous vantage points as one journeys across the bridge and adjacent lakefront path – offering a striking contrast to the downtown skyline. Thoughtful detail was put into an architectural lighting scheme that glows beautifully at night and uses energy-efficient LED technology. Sustainable features such as permeable pavers reduce runoff into the storm sewer system.