Riverview Bridge Highlighted in Mayor Emanuel’s Vision for the Chicago Area Rivers

Yesterday (August 17^th), Chicago's Mayor Emanuel held a press conference at the WMS Boathouse in Clark Park, which is along the banks of the Chicago River, to promote the release of 'Our Great Rivers,' a report that offers an 'aspirational and exciting vision for our rivers that are inviting, productive and living.' 'Our Great Rivers' reflects the work of the Metropolitan Planning Council, the City of Chicago, the Friends of the Chicago River, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, as well as many design, engineering, and community interest groups over the past 18 months outlining this grand vision for the Chicagoland Rivers.

One of these aspirational 'visions' for the Chicago River is the soon to be constructed Epstein designed and engineered Riverview Bridge. A new 16-span, 1,000 foot long, and 16-foot wide pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will cross the Chicago River at Addison and connect Clark Park with California Park. By running below Addison Street and running off-street to a new bridge over the river to California Park a nearly contiguous 2-mile long recreational trail is created between Clark Park at Belmont Avenue and Horner Park at Montrose. With a safe and secure connection between Horner, California and Clark Parks, the parks themselves are enhanced nominally creating a single from the set. Providing a multipurpose bridge over the river is the key to the singular character of this trail segment and promises to reintroduce the river to thousands of Chicago residents.

Here's a link coverage of the Mayor's unveiling of 'Our Great Rivers' which appeared on Chicago NBC 5 News yesterday evening. In this piece, renderings for the Riverview Bridge are featured throughout the segment.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Mayor-Emanuel-Unveils-New-Vision-for-Chicago-Area-Rivers-390429512.html