Chicago Park District breaks ground on the next segment of the Lakefront Trail Separation project to create separate bike and pedestrian paths from Montrose to Ardmore. Construction to separate the entire 18-mile trail is expected to be complete by the end of 2018. The Lakefront Trail Separation was designed to alleviate areas of congestion by creating two distinct paths; a bike trail and a separate pedestrian trail for those on foot. Initial funding was provided by the Chicago Park District and completion of the project was made possible by a generous donation from Ken Griffin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Citadel. Once complete, the entire 18-mile trail will have separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians. The standard bike trail will measure 12 feet in width and the pedestrian trail will measure 20 feet in width with 14 feet of asphalt or concrete and 3 feet of compacted stone mix on both sides. The Lakefront Trail Separation project is a key component of Building on Burnham, Mayor Emanuel’s comprehensive plan to invest in the Lakefront, the Chicago River, natural areas and recreational opportunities in neighborhoods across the city. To date, 985 acres of parks have been acquired and 5.5 miles of waterfront access have been developed under the Building on Burnham plan.