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Navy Pier Flyover Over Budget And A Year Behind Schedule, Report Says

By David Matthews | October 16, 2017 3:57pm
 The second phase of the Navy Pier Flyover is set to begin after years of construction. 
Navy Pier Flyover In October 2017
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DOWNTOWN — The future Navy Pier flyover is over budget and a year behind schedule, according to a report. 

While the first two phases of the long-planned Downtown bike path are set to open next year, the flyover won't be ready in full till 2019, a year later than advertised, said Mike Claffey, a spokesman for the city's Department of Transportation. 

And the years-long construction project is now expected to exceed its original $60 million price tag.

"We just know that there is going to be more work than originally anticipated," Claffey said.

RELATED: Navy Pier Flyover To Start Second Phase After Years Of Construction

Work on the flyover began in 2014 as city officials sought to ease bike and pedestrian traffic near the Downtown lakefront.

Once open, the flyover will take people over the Chicago River near Lake Shore Drive. Pedestrians and bicyclists currently take Lower Lake Shore along the Lakefront Trail.

The Tribune reported delays in the project as crews get ready to build the flyover's second phase over the Ogden Slip. 

Claffey said crews "found more work was needed" specifically on repairs to the Lake Shore Drive bridge, which was first built in 1937. The flyover will eventually run alongside the bridge.