From L Tracks to Green Space: Construction Begins on Edgewater's New Undertrack Walking Path, Dog Parks & Playground

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Edgewater · June 4, 2026

Edgewater is about to get one of its most unique public spaces yet — and it's coming from a place you'd least expect: under the 'L' tracks. Construction is set to kick off in early June on 10 blocks of brand-new community amenities tucked beneath the newly rebuilt Red Line elevated structure, stretching from roughly Ardmore Avenue to Lawrence Avenue through Edgewater and into Uptown.

The project is a welcome bonus born from the $2 billion Red Line Far North Side rebuild. When CTA contractors discovered the old embankment wall was no longer needed under the new rail infrastructure, it freed up a surprising stretch of real estate right in the heart of the neighborhood. The CTA brought neighbors into the process early, hosting community meetings in 2024 and presenting final designs in early 2025 — so what gets built truly reflects what Edgewater residents asked for. The result: a walking path, dog parks, a playground, and more, all tucked into that long-underutilized corridor beneath the tracks. The project is expected to wrap up by November or December 2026.

It's a remarkable transformation of overlooked infrastructure into everyday community treasure — and another sign that Edgewater keeps finding creative ways to invest in its public spaces. Follow the build at blockclubchicago.org and stay connected with neighborhood updates at edgewater.org!

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/05/29/work-starting-soon-on-walking-path-dog-parks-and-more-under-north-side-red-line-tracks/