Construction of the Kennedy cost $232.3 million and became a foundation for Mayor Daley's reputation as a master builder. Its connection with Orchard Field, now O'Hare Airport caused it to become one of the world's busiest.
The new road quickly became the road to work for thousands. The Kennedy also became the way Chicagoans left the cities as suburbs boomed.
From 1958 to 1964, more than 3/4s of the Chicagoland region's expressways were completed. The Kennedy was first envisioned by master city-builder Daniel Burnham in 1909. In the 1920s plans were drawn up for a major road to parallel the tracks of the Chicago and North Western tracks.
The Kennedy was also very innovative as it included two reversible lanes to carry extra traffic during rush hours.
Not only did Democrats support its construction, but also Republicans, a rare occasion in Illinois politics. It further benefited from congressional approval and presidential support of the interstate highway system. The federal government triple its monetary support for road construction and ended up paying 90% of the cost.
Next, a chronology of the Kennedy Expressway.
I've Driven This Road Many Times. --RoadDog
RoadDog's RoadLog Blog: Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
The Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri. It can be yours for $125,000. Lots of possibilities. Actually, now you're too late. Missouri's Roamin' Rich bought it.
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