The construction of this project was significant for the Hyde Park Community for many reasons.  The viaduct underpass is the location of many historical murals, for which the Hyde Park New Coalition of Arts commissioned mural restorations.  Furthermore, as this project was completed during the Obama Election and Inauguration, Hyde Park became a bustling tourist location, and the transportation improvements from this project, greatly impacted both the residents and tourists. This project resulted in a better roadway between 53rd and 55th street all while maintaining an active Metra line. 

The projects scope of work consisted of structural and aesthetic enhancements to the Lake Park Corridor as well as METRA viaduct and the adjacent embankment. 

Steel support systems, consisting of 27 one-legged and 28 two-legged copper colored arched bents, were erected along the pedestrian walkways of the 300 foot long viaducts.   A new custom pedestrian guardrail, comprised of 8 runs of steel cable between upper and lower steel pipes, was installed separating the walkways from the roadway. 

Renovations to the viaduct walls included over 2,000 sf of full length floor to ceiling steel sheet metal panels, 2,400 sf of ashlar stone cladding, and face brick infills.  These facades were installed adjacent to the existing murals and between the colonnades.

Extensive lighting upgrades were also performed.  Ceiling mounted domed lighting fixtures were placed in the center of the arches and underpass luminaire fixtures above the roadway median.  The new walls and improved artwork were illuminated with light valences and box gutters complete with fluorescent lighting strips.

The existing viaduct columns had deteriorated over time, and required renovations to restore their structural integrity.  The deteriorated concrete was removed and replaced with high performance enhanced shotcrete.  The columns were then painted.

The streetscape work included irrigation and landscaping of the Lake Park Blvd embankment ornamental planting beds with prairie grass seeding and annuals and perennial plants and flowers.  The roadway was repaved with asphalt and striped, and new sidewalks and ADA ramps were constructed.  Architectural precast balustrades and light pylons were also installed at the railroad bridge overpasses.