Case Study

Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive

In 2019, Lake Michigan reached record-high water levels, posing an immediate threat to Chicago’s lakefront infrastructure, including public parks, walking trails, and Lake Shore Drive, a key transportation artery. In response, the Chicago Park District (CPD) initiated an emergency shoreline protection strategy to prevent further erosion and flooding.

Engineering firm, SmithGroup, designed a plan that leveraged TrapBag® barriers for their rapid deployment, cost efficiency, and minimal disruption to urban spaces. Multiple contractors installed the TrapBag system across vulnerable segments of the shoreline. Although intended as a temporary fix, the barriers have remained in place for over five years and continue to perform effectively under the lake’s fluctuating conditions.

Project Specifications

  • Product: 4-foot TrapBag barriers placed in two rows, back-to-back, along vulnerable shoreline segments
  • Material: High-strength geotextile
  • Fill Material: Locally sourced sand and aggregate

Initial Solution

To protect Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive and nearby public infrastructure from rising lake levels and escalating erosion, TrapBag barriers were deployed as a temporary shoreline defense system.

  • Rapid Installation with Minimal Disruption: TrapBag units were deployed quickly using local fill materials and personnel, ensuring critical shoreline coverage without closing roads or park access.
  • Cost-Effective Shoreline Defense: The solution provided immediate protection at a fraction of the cost of conventional large-scale shoreline reconstruction. 
  • Compact Footprint, High Impact: The system’s narrow profile allowed for installation in tight urban spaces without sacrificing performance or disrupting nearby footpaths or landscapes while preserving vital urban infrastructure.
  • Engineered for Emergency Use: The TrapBag system met urgent needs while providing the city time to execute long-term coastal planning.

Unintended Longevity

Although initially intended as a temporary solution during an emergency shoreline protection effort, the TrapBag barriers along Lake Shore Drive have significantly outlasted expectations. Now entering their sixth year, the barriers remain fully functional and have continued to withstand intense weather and wave activity without significant degradation or failure. Their lasting performance has prompted continued reliance without urgent need for replacement.

Performance Through Volatile Seasons

Since their installation, the TrapBag barriers have continued to perform against the harsh and fluctuating conditions of Lake Michigan. The system has effectively absorbed and resisted damage from storm surges, ice buildup, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles over multiple seasons. During periods of severe wave action, the barriers held firm, preventing further erosion and protecting vital transportation and recreation areas.

  • Multi-Season Durability: TrapBag barriers withstood harsh winters, storms, and flooding over five years without significant deterioration.
  • Protecting Key Infrastructure: Lake Shore Drive and adjacent parklands have remained open and operational thanks to the system’s continued effectiveness.
  • Public Safety and Access: Minimal disruption to pedestrian paths and public spaces contributed to the city’s overall resilience strategy.
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive
TrapBag Shoreline Protection Along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive

Key Outcomes

  • Immediate Shoreline Stabilization: Rapid deployment halted ongoing erosion at critical shoreline points.
  • Extended Lifespan: Initially intended as a short-term fix, the TrapBag system has remained effective for over five years.
  • Urban Resilience at Low Cost: The modular system provided long-term protection without costly infrastructure projects or extended public disruption.

Conclusion

The use of TrapBag barriers along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive demonstrates the system’s value in emergency response, long-term resilience, and urban shoreline defense. Although the solution was originally intended as a short-term measure, the TrapBag system has exceeded expectations in durability and performance, providing the city with an adaptable and effective barrier against Lake Michigan’s volatility.

Their continued performance through years of harsh Midwest weather, without requiring major maintenance or replacement, has highlighted TrapBag as a viable medium to long-term, cost-effective solution for urban flood and erosion control. Chicago’s success offers a blueprint for other cities facing similar challenges.

For photos and additional coverage of this project, explore:

Installation Highlights

  • 4-foot TrapBag barriers placed in two rows, back-to-back, along vulnerable shoreline segments
  • High-strength geotextile
  • Locally sourced sand and aggregate