26th Street from Harlem Avenue to Lombard Avenue & Ridgeland Avenue from 26th Street to Ogden Avenue
Background Information
26th Street serves as a vital east-west major collector roadway, establishing a crucial link between Harlem Avenue, a principal arterial roadway, and Ridgeland Avenue, another major collector roadway. Along this route, notable landmarks such as Morton West High School, City Hall, Hiawatha Elementary School, and neighborhood parks are situated amidst diverse residential and commercial land uses. The Ridgeland Avenue corridor, intersecting with the City’s Depot District, features a dynamic blend of residences, businesses, and a Metra/BNSF train station. Both corridors play host to multiple PACE bus stops and are designated as bike routes in the City’s comprehensive bike plans. This dual designation underscores their pivotal role in enhancing access and connectivity for various modes of transportation, making them integral components of the City’s multi-modal network.
Overview of Improvements
The main purpose of this project is to improve access to transit along the 26th Street and Ridgeland Avenue corridors by creating a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environment. There are various points of interest within the project limits, such as neighborhood schools, City Hall, and numerous residential and local businesses which contribute to the community fabric. Pedestrian enhancements, traffic safety measures, and implementation of green infrastructure improvements will help make the corridors more walkable and environmentally-friendly. Anticipated improvements to be considered are: roadway widening and/or resurfacing, high-visibility crosswalks, curb bump-outs at intersections to shorten the crossing distances, decorative landscaping/planters, and/or decorative lighting. Drainage improvements will consist of outlet treatments and stormwater best management practices will be identified as part of Phase I Engineering.
Funding
The project is being funded through the Surface Transportation Program, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act Fund, Invest in Cook Funding, as well as local matching funds for various phases of the project.
