Chicago City Wire

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) have unveiled new pedestrian and bike safety improvements on Central Park Avenue in Garfield Park. The project, which extends from Madison Street to Franklin Boulevard, includes raised crosswalks and protected bike lanes aimed at reducing traffic crashes, improving safety, and expanding Chicago's bike network.

"With the completion of this infrastructure improvement project, neighbors and visitors will now be able to get to the Conservatory and other Park destinations in a safer, more comfortable manner and access all that the West Side has to offer," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "My administration recognizes that traffic safety is public safety, and that creating safer streets is part of creating a better, stronger, safer Chicago."

The project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Johnson, CDOT officials, 28th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin, 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, and community leaders. Acting CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating, "We're glad to cut the ribbon today on a project that makes it safer and easier for people to get around Garfield Park and expands Chicago's low-stress bike network. Under the leadership of Mayor Johnson, CDOT will continue investing in equitable, safe streets that ensure residents can safely reach every corner of our city, regardless of their mode of transportation."

The improvements to Central Park Avenue include raised crosswalks in front of the Garfield Park Conservatory and Garfield Park Field House. These raised crosswalks encourage drivers to slow down and yield to pedestrians, improving visibility and making it safer for people to cross the street. Additionally, the project has increased pedestrian space at the main entrance to the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Protected bike lanes have also been installed between Madison Street and Franklin Boulevard. These bike lanes provide physical separation between cyclists and motor vehicle traffic, improving safety for bike riders. The new lanes connect to existing protected bike lanes on Franklin Blvd. and Lake Street, expanding Chicago's bike network.

Alderman Jason Ervin expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating, "This project will help reduce dangerous speeding and traffic crashes on Central Park Avenue and improve accessibility to some of Garfield Park's most popular destinations." Alderman Walter Burnett also praised the improvements, saying, "The improvements to Central Park Avenue not only enhance safety but help improve accessibility and quality of life for West Side residents."

Initial data collection by CDOT has already shown promising results. There has been a nearly 60 percent decrease in drivers exceeding the speed limit of 30 mph on Central Park Avenue. This decrease in speed is crucial, as studies have shown that the likelihood and severity of crashes increase with higher speeds. The new protected bike lanes are part of a larger effort to expand Chicago's bike infrastructure. CDOT is on track to install over 55 miles of bikeway projects citywide this year, including more miles of protected and low-stress bike lanes than ever before.

The Central Park Avenue project is just one example of Chicago's commitment to transforming its streets into safer and more inviting spaces. CDOT has recently launched a new Complete Streets website that outlines the city's efforts to create equitable and accessible transportation options for all residents. The website provides information on traffic safety, Chicago's expanding bikeway network, pedestrian safety programs, and transit infrastructure.

With the completion of the Central Park Avenue improvements, residents and visitors can now enjoy a safer and more convenient travel experience in Garfield Park. The project not only enhances safety but also contributes to the overall quality of life in the area. As Chicago continues to invest in infrastructure improvements, the city is working towards creating a more connected, healthy, and sustainable environment for its residents.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.chicago.gov/content/city/en/depts/cdot/provdrs/future_projects_andconcepts/news/2023/december/mayor-johnson-and-cdot-cut-ribbon-on-central-park-avenue-pedestr.html