The groups behind Chicago’s planned overhaul of a key portion of the iconic Lakeshore Drive have revealed the latest renderings of a project that’s set to add much-needed protective barriers and green space along the city’s Lake Michigan shoreline.

The non-profit news platform Block Club Chicago has the latest details on the "Redefine the Drive" plan, which will take shape over the coming years through a series of community engagement meetings expected to reconvene in the fall. 

While a final design plan hasn't been confirmed, renders shared by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) aim to "help Chicagoans 'better understand the characteristics' of park, lakefront, pedestrian, and bike space expansions that would be universal to any final plan," reports Mack Liederman of Block Club Chicago. 

Interventions such as a revetment wall and the expansion of Oak Street Beach are some of the main elements of the plan. Researchers on the project note that these interventions promise to add a "high level of protection" for the next 200 years in anticipation of increased storm surges, documented erosion, and rising water levels that are being exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

Additional bike paths and other pedestrian routes will be added along the development site, which will also mitigate the infamous Oak Street ‘S-Curve’ segment of the Drive. 

More details of the project can be found here.