March 20, 2014 – Three bridges on the main branch of the Chicago River will each be raised for seven days to allow the 20-foot-long under-bridge parts of the Riverwalk to be built.

The Clark Street Bridge will go first, starting in mid-April, followed by the bridges at State Street and Dearborn Street. While each bridge is up, crews will work 24 hours a day, installing caisson foundations in each bridge’s south leaf. Two to three weeks will pass between one bridge lowering and the next being raised.

Most of the machinery noise will be heard during daytime hours, according to the project’s construction manager, Oswaldo Chaves.

“The typical caisson rig uses a diesel engine to operate the drilling apparatus,” explains Chaves. “The noise is similar to a large truck engine during acceleration.”

Currently, Riverwalk construction is in what Chaves calls “full demolition” mode, with workers demolishing old concrete and driving piles to support the new Riverwalk.

Chicago-based Walsh Construction is building this second Riverwalk phase that spans from State Street west to LaSalle at a cost of $43 million. The money will come from a $99 million federal loan to the Chicago Department of Transportation.

By the end of this year, the city hopes to have hired a company to manage the entire Riverwalk. Working for the city’s Department of Fleet and Facility Management, the Riverwalk manager will be responsible for planning, maintenance, and day-to-day operations.

No concessions have been selected yet. Says Chaves, “All options are on the table and we’ll determine what best to put in the individual spaces that are created.”

(Below) Closer view of Riverwalk construction on February 10.

Prospective managers meet

On Tuesday, the city held a meeting for organizations interested in responding to a Request For Qualifications that will be used to help select a Riverwalk manager. They have until April 7 to respond.

“The Chicago River and surrounding land have the potential to be a top entertainment and recreation destination for residents and tourists alike,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a news release.

Amenities offered on the Riverwalk could include tour, charter, or dinner cruise boats, human-powered boats, bike rentals, restaurants and cafés, retail shops, educational facilities, and other family-friendly concessions.

A Request For Proposals will be issued on May 2 with responses due by June 3. The entire Riverwalk from Lake Michigan to Lake Street should be completed in 2016.

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