Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced the commencement of construction work on Damen Avenue, focusing on installing raised crosswalks and intersections. This initiative is part of an arterial resurfacing project aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety in the 40th and 47th Wards.

Starting June 23, CDOT will work on raised crosswalks at key intersections along Damen Avenue, specifically at Giddings Street, Ainslie Street, and Berwyn Avenue. Initially, the west side of these intersections will be closed to traffic for approximately one week. Subsequently, the east leg of Damen at Ainslie will also face a closure lasting about a week.

From July 7 onwards, efforts will shift towards installing raised intersections at Winnemac Avenue, Leland Avenue, and Winona Street. This phase requires partial closures impacting southbound traffic on Damen for around two weeks. Motorists are advised to detour east via Foster, proceed south on Wolcott, and return to Damen through Wilson. During this period, Damen remains open between Lawrence and Argyle.

Following this phase, northbound traffic will experience disruptions with suggested detours west via Wilson, north on Leavitt before rejoining Damen through Foster. Again during this time frame, access between Lawrence and Argyle remains unaffected.

Cyclists are encouraged to use the Leavitt Street Neighborhood Greenway as an alternative route parallel to Damen.

Raised crosswalks serve multiple purposes: "Encourage drivers to slow down before the crosswalk," "Enable people walking to easily cross the street at sidewalk level," and "Makes people crossing more visible to drivers."