Dark Knight Trilogy

2. Lower Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL

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Buckle up as you careen towards one of the most famous and excitingly dangerous roads in Chicago. Referred to as underground, Lower Wacker Drive is actually street level, but the elevated surrounding city and the towering upper levels create a dark and murky underground appearance. Built over the Chicago River, Wacker Drive is the only street in the city to name all four cardinal directions. Begun in 1909 construction ended in 1926, giving the tunnel an old fashioned and dreary feel that fit well in the scenery of Gotham City. Similar to many rushed Chicago citizens, The Batman took advantage of the tunnel's fast lanes to avoid the regular slow-moving traffic common on the Upper Wacker levels. "Breathe slowly," The Batman suggested, as he transported Gotham City's Assistant District Attorney, Rachel Dawes to safety in Batman Begins. A difficult task while accelerating through the intimidating maze of Lower Wacker Drive in a heart stopping pursuit by Gotham Police, especially for Rachel who had been poisoned with fear toxin. The Batman's massive vehicle, the Tumbler, easily maneuvers the tightly blocked streets and soon after evades the perplexed police force. Batman revisits the shadows of Lower Wacker Drive in The Dark Knight to aid in the capture of the villainous Joker. Director Nolan turned the 2.2 mile stretch into a terrifying experience for District Attorney, Harvey Dent, who was being transported to Gotham City Jail after declaring he was "The Batman." Traveling in a SWAT armored transport vehicle, Dent was accompanied by three Gotham City Police cars and another SWAT vehicle that reluctantly enter the depths of Lower Wacker Drive, referred to as "Lower Fifth" in the film, with the exclamation "Lower Fifth?! We'll be like turkey's on Thanksgiving down there!" Having forced the convoy underground, The Joker began his onslaught and easily eliminated the escorts in the cramped, maze-like tunnel. Batman displayed the Tumbler's awesome ability to boost into a rampless jump and intercepted the bazooka intended for Dent's van. Sacrificing the Tumbler, Batman introduced the Bat Pod, which shot out of the wreckage of the Tumbler and the dingy Lower Wacker to confront The Joker in Chicago's LaSalle Canyon.