CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayor Emanuel said the emergency repairs on the Lake Shore Drive bridge is a wakeup call to state and local officials -- and lawmakers -- to pass a long-awaited transportation bill.Emanuel practically jumped at the chance to be asked if he is still pushing for a 20-to 30-cent hike in Illinois’ gasoline tax to fund a statewide transportation program.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has pledged to work for a major infrastructure bill. Some lawmakers have said a gas tax hike would be a last resort.Mayor Emanuel is not backing down. He said the cracked steel beam on the Lake Shore Drive bridge was a wakeup call.A reporter asked if the bridge is the proverbial canary in the coal mine. The mayor said he’s not an engineer and doesn’t know. He added city crews will be doing tests and inspections.
Northbound Lake Shore Drive reopened Tuesday afternoon, but permanent repairs will be needed.
