The new Ramp ES is one of six flyover bridge structures currently being constructed at the I-55 and Lake Shore Drive (LSD) Interchange in Chicago. The new two-lane structure (at right in the photo) uses 72-in.-deep curved plate girders (Gr. 50) that will carry eastbound I-55 to southbound LSD and replace the existing single-lane structure (at left in the photo) made of 54-in.-deep chorded plate girders (Gr. 36).
The proposed $135 million reconstruction of the interchange was designed by AECOM for the Illinois Department of Transportation (District 1) using 7,500 tons of steel fabricated by Industrial Steel Construction and erected by S&J Construction (both AISC members and AISC Certified companies). Located near McCormick Place and Soldier Field, this urban expressway connects the city’s southern neighborhoods and lakefront to the central business district (the Loop). The total project length, including the six bridge structures, is approximately 1.1 miles long and is expected to be completed by the end of next year. To learn more, visit www.idot.illinois.gov/projects/I55-at-LSD.