New Chicago bridge grants South Side residents access to lakefront

CHICAGO - The 43rd Street pedestrian bridge to the lake is officially open.

On Wednesday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined South Side leaders for a ribbon cutting.

The new, fully accessible pedestrian and bicycle bridge is a pathway over south DuSable Lake Shore Drive and the Metra Electric and Canadian National Railway tracks, providing Bronzeville residents direct access to the lakefront.

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"This bridge is a long time coming. A lot of people remember when this was a wood bridge. We couldn't get across to the lake," said Donna Feaster, community member.

"Our lakefront is an amenity ... and with today's announcement it is," Lightfoot said.

The $36 million project was funded by a combination of federal and state money.