Project overview

The City plans to rebuild almost one mile of Chicago Ave. S from Lake St. to 37th St. E.

Right now, there are sidewalks on both sides, two lanes for cars, bike lanes, and parking on both sides. The area has stores and single-family housing. 

This project is a full reconstruction project that will include:

• new sidewalks
• ADA pedestrian ramps
• new pavement, curb and gutters
• utility updates
• improved bicycle facilities
• two travel lanes

This project will also add new signs, better traffic lights, and make it easier for buses to move through the area. The goal is to make it better for people to walk, bike, and take the bus. Specifically, making the Metro Transit’s D Line bus rapid transit project better in the future.  

Project purpose

The project is intended to improve the right-of-way for all people in all the ways they move around.  This part of Chicago Avenue was built in 1957. It was temporarily fixed in 2018, though it is still causing problems. The City measured the pavement condition and it was rated "good", but it will keep getting worse until the road is rebuilt. This part of Chicago Ave. S has a pavement surface that is beyond its expected useful life. This project gives us a chance to include and improve:

• ADA compliant curb ramps
• add boulevard space away from the street
• address sidewalk obstructions
• install bus-only lanes

A lot of people ride bikes or walk on this road, and 7,140-8,700 cars drive on it each day. This project will make the road better for people who walk, bike, and drive.