"There's a Road I'd Like to Tell You About . . . It's in My Home Town.  Lake Shore Drive the Road is Called and It'll Take You Up and Down . . ."

That 1972 song, by Aliotta, Haynes, and Jerimiah, is still in every Chicago baby boomer's head as they travel this famous roadway north or south of downtown Chicago.  Truly, it is a memorable, beautiful road.

But, in 2008, it's a very rocky road!

The Chicago Department of Transportation patched over 800 potholes on the far north end of The Drive this winter - mostly north of Irving Park Road in Chicago's Lake View and Edgewater Neighborhoods.  Patching continues - but, city officials say, a more permanent repaving operation must be completed with State of Illinois help before next winter - or the roadbed will deteriorate to an even more hazardous state.

LSD is still a primary commuter route for thousands of Chicagoans who live near Lake Michigan, and a "Sight to Drive" for Chicago visitors.  But the poor condition of the roadway today has gotten the city to forestall the annual summertime increase in speed limit along the drive, to make the commute a bit faster during warmer weather.

Normally, between April 1st and November 1st, the City of Chicago increases the speed limit on our "Outer Drive" from 40 to 45 miles per hour.  Not so this year, however - it will stay at the winter speed limit of 40 MPH until re-paving can be completed - perhaps not this summer!

The speed limit drops during the cold-weather months to reduce the amount of salt sprayed from passing vehicles on median grass and shrubs.  Rock salt, with ice melting chemicals, are the primary snow melting agents here in Northern Illinois.

Review our post today @ BlogChicagoHomes.comfor more on the state of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago this summer.  You'll find as well a link to Jon Hilkevitch's story in today's Chicago Tribune.

Come to Chicago, and "Drive the Drive."  But watch those potholes!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO