17-Apr-15 – Work on the new Chicago Riverwalk has switched from big things to little things.

“All of the major structural elements of the Riverwalk project have been completed,” says Oswaldo Chaves, the project’s construction manager. “The focus of the project is now on the architectural finishes.”

Red maple trees arrived on the Riverwalk on Wednesday and were being planted on Thursday.

Most of the pre-cast concrete and granite elements between State Street and Clark Street have been installed. Through April 25, work on the Riverwalk will include walkways, benches, walls, and stairs between State and Clark, hand railings and canopies on the under-bridge sections, walkways and stairs between Clark and LaSalle.

(Above) New lighting is left on at night on the Riverwalk between State Street and Dearborn Street. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

At the same time, the Clark Street Bridge will be painted. The lane and sidewalk closest to the side being painted will be closed. The bridge will be entirely closed Monday through Thursday each week from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Clark Street north of the bridge will be open to local traffic.

(Above) Painting equipment on Clark Street Bridge on Tuesday. Reid Murdoch Center in background.

That project should be completed by Memorial Day weekend, when the Riverwalk is expected to open between State Street and LaSalle Street.