REHABILITATION OF THE CHICAGO SHORELINE: A COASTAL ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE

Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline protection consists of stepped revetments, rubblemound revetments, beaches, groins, and offshore breakwaters. Primarily constructed in the early twentieth century, this man-made shoreline provides for over 24 miles of public parkland; a key component in the city’s quality of life. Because of fluctuating lake levels and severe wave conditions, the revetments have failed in many sections, leaving the parkland exposed, and the lakeward edge of the promenade has fallen into the water. The City of Chicago, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, sponsors an ambitious rebuilding effort, known as the Chicago Shoreline Protection Project, to restore eight miles of the deteriorated shoreline. With an approximate budget of $300 million, the project includes construction of sheet pile and concrete-stepped revetments, beaches ’ stabilization, and rubblemound structures (breakwaters and revetments). Additional amenity improvements include the construction of piers, creation and restoration of habitat, the provision of greater accessibility to the waterfront, and management of natural resources