The city and the Metropolitan Sanitary District have announced a plan to build an underground tunnel in the Albany Park neighborhood that would, they say, dramatically reduce the potential for flooding.
The Chicago River North Branch, which flows through Albany Park, overflowed last week after a storm dropped nearly five inches of water on the metropolitan area.
The below surface tunnel will cost between $45-55 million, according to press releases from the MWRD and the city. It will divert water directly to the North Channel.
The MWRD and the city have committed a total of $40 million to the project. The final cost will be determined after a design is selected.
The tunnel would only operate during flood conditions. It would run about one mile under Foster Avenue from Eugene Park.
The Chicago River overflowed its banks last week, flooding 600 homes and businesses, mostly in Albany Park. A $45M plan will divert flood waters directly to the North Channel. Credit: Peter Bella
Read the press release from the City
Read the press release from the MWRD
When I hear “underground tunnel,” I can’t help but to think of it being home to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
You are so 1990′s. I think it could be the hangout for Lex Luthor myself