Prepare for a substantial transformation at one of North Center’s thriving intersections! Alderman Matt Martin (47th) invites residents to share their thoughts on the final redesign plans for the upcoming renovation. Set for implementation next year, the project will focus on the intricate six-way intersection at Irving Park Road, Lincoln Avenue, and Damen Avenue – an area that has seen 47 accidents since 2020, according to data from Ald. Martin’s office.
Alderman Matt Martin emphasizes the significance of this project.
The recently disclosed design proposals aim to streamline traffic flow and introduce essential infrastructure enhancements on city-owned roads, such as Damen and Lincoln. Notably, the designs are laser-focused on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and there’s a noticeable distinction between the two concepts.
One design stands out by eliminating left-turn lanes from Damen onto Irving Park and Lincoln. Kurt Facknitz, the complete streets design manager for the Chicago Department of Transportation, highlights this as the key point of differentiation between the two concepts.
It’s crucial to note that Irving Park Road and Lincoln Avenue, both state and city-owned roads, won’t experience immediate changes as part of this project. The first design concept involves removing the left-turn from Damen onto Irving Park and Lincoln while maintaining street parking on both sides. In addition, this proposal introduces a parking-protected bike lane on the eastern side, promoting cyclist safety. The redesign extends to creating a more spacious pedestrian area, ensuring the safety of cyclists and pedestrians as they approach the intersection.
These alterations aim not just to enhance safety but also to facilitate smoother vehicle turns onto and off of Damen, Lincoln, or Irving Park, thus reducing turning vehicle speeds and enhancing safety.
While some residents have voiced concerns about potential traffic diversion onto residential streets due to the elimination of left-turn lanes, historical traffic studies provide some reassurance. Drivers tend to adapt to new traffic patterns over time, usually opting for major routes like Addison instead of relying on side streets. To address these concerns, the design concepts include discussions about implementing traffic-calming measures on neighboring residential streets, such as Grace, to maintain lower, safer speeds for redirected traffic.
The alternative proposal preserves the left-turn lanes but entails the removal of parking on the eastern side of Damen, south of Irving Park and Lincoln. This design may incorporate fewer and narrower pedestrian curb extensions and fewer cyclist-friendly enhancements, but the overarching goal remains the same.
For more in-depth insights into the two intersection redesign concepts, visit Ald. Martin’s website. Residents are encouraged to provide their valuable feedback through an online survey open until October 25. Ald. Martin, along with transportation officials, will meticulously assess this feedback and select a design during the week of November 6. Construction is anticipated to commence next year.
Ald. Matt Martin underscores the urgency of these changes, emphasizing that maintaining the current state of affairs is not a sustainable option. Your active participation in shaping these intersection improvements is essential for the safety and functionality of this vital North Center hub. Be sure to express your thoughts and contribute to shaping the future of this bustling intersection!
What’s Prompting This Transformation?
The figures speak for themselves: 47 accidents at the intersection since 2020. While it’s a crucial part of North Center, it presents traffic and transportation challenges that need addressing.
What Sets the Designs Apart?
The primary distinction between the two design concepts revolves around the left-turn lanes from Damen onto Irving Park and Lincoln. One design removes them, emphasizing safety improvements and an extensive layout transformation. The other retains the left-turn lanes but necessitates the removal of parking on Damen’s eastern side, south of Irving Park and Lincoln.
The critical choice rests with you, the North Center residents and stakeholders. Your feedback is pivotal in shaping the outcome.
A Safer Space for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Both designs prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety. The elimination of left-turn lanes in one design allows the creation of a parking-protected bike lane, enhancing cyclist safety. Both designs create more room for pedestrians and secure areas for cyclists at the intersection’s northbound approach, making it safer and more convenient for all.
Adapting to Traffic Changes
It’s only natural to worry about traffic spilling onto residential streets if left-turn lanes are removed. However, past traffic studies offer some assurance. Drivers tend to adapt to new traffic patterns over time, typically choosing major roads like Addison. To ease these concerns, the designs include discussions about traffic-calming measures on neighboring residential streets. For example, Grace Street may see such traffic-calming infrastructure to ensure that redirected traffic maintains lower, safer speeds.
Your Role in Shaping the Future
Your feedback is vital in this process. Ald. Martin wants the community’s input to ensure that this transformation suits your needs. You can find more information on the designs on Ald. Martin’s website. Take the opportunity to voice your opinions through an online survey open until October 25. Ald. Martin and transportation officials will review your input and select a design during the week of November 6. Construction is expected to begin next year.
Ald. Matt Martin emphasizes the urgency of these changes, saying that maintaining the status quo is not a sustainable option. Your involvement in shaping these intersection improvements is crucial for the safety and functionality of this vital North Center location.
Have Your Say and Shape the Future!
This is your chance to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this significant transformation. Your feedback as a North Center resident and stakeholder is invaluable. Make your voice heard and help mold the future of this bustling intersection. Together, we can create a safer and more efficient hub for our community.