As you may be aware, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is planning for the replacement of the Chicago Avenue Bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River. The current bridge was constructed in 1914 and requires full replacement to safely maintain and support the volume of vehicle, bus, bicycle and pedestrian traffic in this active corridor. The first phase of our work will begin this fall, involving the demolition of the existing bridge and replacement with a new interim bridge structure. Construction and installation of the permanent structure is expected to occur in 2021.

Beginning in October, the work we are doing on the Chicago Ave. Bridge will require closing Chicago Ave. between Larrabee and Halsted Streets. The full project to replace the bridge will last five months. However, the roadway on Chicago Ave. is scheduled to reopen early next year. After the reopening of the roadway, the final month will consist of installing new road and navigational lighting.

CDOT has established marked detours in place for bicyclists, pedestrians, personal vehicles, buses and trucks (see attached exhibit). CDOT is making every effort to keep traffic disruptions as short as possible. CDOT is also limiting other construction on the detour routes, and restricting parking to maximize road capacity.

CDOT has also partnered with CTA to initiate an innovative pilot program to help mitigate the impact of the bridge detour for the 15,000 daily bus riders in this corridor. In order to maintain service reliability and trip speed for CTA bus route #66 Chicago customers, a temporary, shared bus-bike lane will be installed on Halsted Street between Chicago Avenue and Division Street, in both directions. The shared bus-bike lane will be curbside and have no impact on normal traffic flow or roadway capacity along Halsted. The shared bus-bike lane will be exclusive to CTA buses and bicycles. Parking will be restricted in this area to accommodate the bus-bike lane. CDOT and CTA encourage the use of public transportation during the construction detour.

Source: Walter Burnett, Jr.  – Alderman 27th Ward – 9/26/18

The 18th District has received an additional 8 probationary police officers set to join neighborhood beat and patrol units. This is a welcome deployment for residents and local businesses in Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast and Lincoln Park providing an increased presence of law enforment in our communities

Source:  Alderman Brian Hopkins, 2nd Ward Newsletter 9/23/18

Use Promo Code RNRA and receive a $10 discount on your ticket!   Important – You must enter RNRA in all CAPITAL letters.

OctoberFeast is a tasting-tour of River North showcasing River North restaurants. You will start and end your journey with a group of 25-30 people. Participating venues provide their specialty food items in tasting portion, along with a red or white wine for event participants to enjoy.  The event continues to grow each year as the River North Business Association’s signature event with over 300 participants expected this year.

Please note: This event is rain or shine and does involve walking to the restaurants. Trolley routes are available, but space is limited.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has unveiled a public, user-friendly Information Portal on its redesigned website.

This portal is an interactive data visualization tool that provides the public with an unprecedented means of engaging and understanding City of Chicago data. The portal dashboards contain over 100 ways for users to visualize city data related to the City’s budget and staffing, as well as information relating to the Chicago Police Department (CPD).

OIG’s mission to promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity in City government is rooted in the core values of accountability and transparency. The Information Portal will operationalize these core values to help build public trust and foster wider public discourse around improving government services.

Source:  Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. – 27th Ward 9/26/18

Gray Productions will be shooting photography for Crate and Barrel in the neighborhood on Wednesday, September 19th, through Friday, September 21st. In order to park essential vehicles and equipment, streets in the area will be posted as a NO PARKING/TOW ZONE during the following dates/times:

Wednesday, September 19th through Friday, September 21st from 9:00am to 9:00pm
• West side of N Clark St from 819-842

The crews will be working with the Chicago Film Office and the Chicago Police Department to ensure a safe and positive filming experience.

If you have any additional questions please email Ward02@cityofchicago.org, or call the 2nd Ward Service Office at (312) 643-2299.

Source:  Alderman Brian Hopkins, 2nd Ward Alderman 9/18/18

To print a copy, CLICK HERE.

Join RNRA Public Safety Committee Members at Eva’s Cafe for “Coffee with the Commander.”  Stop by and share a cup of coffee with the 18th District Officers of the Chicago Police Department.   

When:  Wednesday, September 19th  9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Where:  Eva’s Cafe-1447 N. Sedgwick Street, Chicago, IL 60610

Statement from Hospitality Hires Chicago (HHC):As you may know, workers at nearly thirty local hotels are on strike. Out of an abundance of caution, the Hospitality Hires Chicago partners have determined that postponing the September 19th hiring event at the Palmer House is in the best interest of all.

We are committed to this event and recognize its impact on the more than 800 people served to date. Towards that end, we will reschedule the event at the earliest possible opportunity.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to serving both jobseekers and employers during our next Hospitality Hires Chicago event. For updates, or to learn more about HHC, visit hhc2018.weebly.com.

Source:  Alderman Reilly Reports 9/14/18

Alderman Reilly is very pleased to announce important safety improvements coming to River North. The Alderman had received reports of speeding cars and pedestrian safety concerns along Erie Street, between Kingsbury and Sedgwick.

Upon receipt of these concerns, Alderman Reilly requested the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) complete a traffic survey of the area, and develop a comprehensive traffic calming design intended to slow vehicular traffic and improve pedestrian safety along West Erie Street.  To print a copy, CLICK HERE.

Alderman Reilly is pleased to report that CDOT will install concrete curb extensions on Erie Street, at the intersections with Kingsbury, Hudson, and Sedgwick Streets.

Curb extensions narrow the roadway and help slow vehicular traffic, and bring stop signs closer to the driver. Curb extensions also reduce the pedestrian crossing distance and improve visibility between drivers and pedestrians.

For additional traffic calming, CDOT will install a speed hump and curb extensions mid-block on Erie Street between Kingsbury and Hudson, and another mid-block between Hudson and Sedgwick.

Alderman Reilly also requested that CDOT survey Huron and Superior Streets for possible installation of speed humps. CDOT traffic engineers have completed their survey, and will install mid-block speed humps on Huron and on Superior, between Larrabee and Orleans.

Speed humps are self-enforcing traffic calming tools that reduce travel speeds as drivers are forced to slow down in order to traverse the humps.  The new speed humps will reduce overall vehicular and pedestrian crashes within this corridor.

River North is home to a large (and growing) number of families, as well as several daycares and a popular park with robust children’s and dog amenities. All of these factors contribute to the significant pedestrian traffic along Erie Street in River North.

Alderman Reilly allocated a portion of the Aldermanic Menu to fund these important pedestrian and vehicular safety improvements, and requested CDOT expedite construction of this project. Crews are currently mobilizing to begin construction of the Erie Street curb extensions and speed humps, and work is expected to start this week.

Alderman Reilly is happy to have worked with the Chicago Department of Transportation to develop and fund these important safety improvements in River North!