| Paramotoring is
out of the question but I still want to fly. Time for Ellie. She flies
even slower than a paramotor, carries three and, most importantly has a heat
knob.
10 years ago, when the new super-duper highway went in, more
than the usual concrete was poured. Pilings sprung up that went nowhere,
reaching up to hold forgotten bridges. It looked like maybe they ran out
of money. Surely they didn't have the foresight to put them up for future
plans.
Government planners surprised me. For the last 6 months, those supports
have been getting a purpose as an enormous construction project works to
add 30 or so new miles to Interstate 355. It's fascinating to watch the
progression, especially since it's mostly done while keeping the traffic
moving.
Today, Tim Kaiser and I set out to photograph the highway's current
state. Once it's finished it will be interesting to compare these pictures
with the final outcome of their efforts.
There is also a very long span, possibly the longest in the state, that
crosses the I&M canal and Chicago River. Flying its length had a few
moments with unsavory engine-out options. That's more disconcerting since
my only engine-out experience in a certified aircraft happened with this
very helicopter. What was left of that motor didn't even warrant
"core credit" from the overhaul company. Fortunately, a
helicopter can "glide" (plummet really, but at least it's under
control), and there was no other damage in the resultant auto-rotation
landing.
Ellie ran fine and we got numerous pictures. She shakes a bit, as
helicopters are wont to do, and with the low evening light the pictures
were soft. Lord willing, we'll have other opportunities--I don't imagine
the highway's gonna be done in a month.
|
Looking
east down I-55. I'll be driving this road, hopefully in the coming summer
(doesn't that sound appealing!), to go paragliding at the Indiana Dunes. For
sure I'll be driving on it to work--that big loop will be the new path
from southbound I-355 to northeast bound I-55.
 
Left:
looking southwest down I-55. This is the way to do rush hour traffic!
Right: From south of I-55, looking north up the expansive bridgework that
will carry the new I-355 over various rivers and canals.
Google
Earth™ map of the area. The intersection just to the right of I-55
is where I-355 crosses.
All
photos by Tim Kaiser.
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