Navy Pier Flyover

Decades of intensive urban development along Chicago’s downtown waterfront created a congested and hazardous corridor along the Lakefront Trail. Bikers and pedestrians faced a maze of busy streets, buildings, and waterways, forcing them into unsafe and stressful conditions. As the Lakefront Trail became increasingly popular for human-powered transit, the need to separate pedestrians and cyclists from vehicular traffic grew urgent.  

Muller2, now part of GFT, designed and led the development of this groundbreaking pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The elevated path stretches just over half a mile and rises above the crowded corridor on a slender, spine-like structure. The design navigates over roads, under a highway off-ramp, and through narrow urban gaps, ensuring safe and uninterrupted passage for users.  

To achieve this, the team seamlessly integrated steel, concrete, and light into the structure. It combines functionality with artistry, weaving through the city like a thread. The team also prepared highly detailed presentation materials, including animated user views, to showcase the project’s impact and gain stakeholder approval. The team’s efforts spanned 15 years, from initial design to final construction, culminating in a landmark structure that redefines urban connectivity.