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!
Source: Alderman Reilly reports 9/14/18
