An Investment in our Future $100-150 Million investment in three transportation projects prioritizing the movement of people to and through the Loop Washington/Wabash.
Download ReportTranscript An Investment in our Future $100-150 Million investment in three transportation projects prioritizing the movement of people to and through the Loop Washington/Wabash.
An Investment in our Future $100-150 Million investment in three transportation projects prioritizing the movement of people to and through the Loop Washington/Wabash CTA Station Loop Link Union Station Transit Center (USTC) Improves access, speed, and reliability for over 250,000 daily transit trips Commitment to world-class transportation system that benefits residents, employers and employees, and tourists Improvements to traffic flow and safety for all users of the roadway – pedestrians, transit users, bicyclists and motorists 2 Downtown Benefits Demonstrates commitment to world-class sustainable transport Convenient, expanded access to more downtown destinations Improved multi-modal connections between bus, rail and bike Enhances downtown’s attractiveness for business, better job retention Further extends transit’s reach in city and suburbs 65% of Loop commuters currently arrive by transit Faster, more reliable commute times Generates pedestrian traffic to retailers Loop Link – Project Purpose Improve mobility in the Loop for residents, employees, businesses and visitors Provide faster, more reliable bus service Organize traffic flow and improve pedestrian environment and bike network 4 Loop Link Features Dedicated bus lanes with red concrete surface for 6 bus routes 8 Link Stations with easy boarding Bus Queue Jump at 7 intersections Protected bike lanes and bicycle traffic signals Resurfacing of all impacted streets New pick-up/drop-off configuration at Union Station on Canal Street Loop Link Features Loop Link Corridors & Station Locations Link Stations Platform lengths vary between 115’ and 153’ to accommodate two articulated buses at the same time, plus access ramps 90’ station shelter compared to current 14’ JC Decaux shelter Visually appealing and transparent to maintain sightlines of adjacent buildings/businesses/sidewalks Station 14’ high to shelter boarding/alighting passengers Pedestrian Benefits Increased sidewalk space by removing existing bus shelters and signs from the sidewalk Reduced conflicts at intersections with changes to traffic signals and turn restrictions Link stations and/or protected bike lanes buffer pedestrians from motor vehicle traffic Transit Rider Benefits Improved bus service reliability and travel times with exclusive bus lanes New distinctive bus stations with level boarding, weather protection, lighting, and real time LED bus arrival times Better and more understandable wayfinding, including connections to/from Metra and CTA Rail Improved safety and security with installation of CCTV cameras Accessibility for persons with Disabilities (ADA) Bicyclist Benefits Direct connections to existing bikeways Eastbound & westbound barrier protected bike lanes connecting the Loop to Ogilvie Transportation Center Two-way barrier protected bike lane on Clinton Street eliminates conflicts on Canal Street Eliminates bike/bus conflicts on Madison Street Existing Bikeway Proposed Bikeway Removed Bikeway Motorist Benefits More reliable travel times due to reduced conflicts with buses and bikes Improved turning movements with changes to traffic light phasing Protected right turns can increase turning capacity and reduce conflicts with peds and bikes Permissive/protected left turns will increase turning capacity and reduce conflicts with peds At least two general traffic lanes maintained on all streets Buses will no longer operate on Monroe Street, reducing conflicts/congestions All garages/alleys will remain accessible New drop-off/pick-up area at Union Station Roadway Changes All existing right and left turns will be maintained except at 4 locations where right turns will be restricted for safety reasons and improved traffic flow Various design treatments and traffic signal modifications will be used to organize traffic, increase safety for all modes, and maintain throughput Loading and Curbside Uses To increase bus speed and reliability, better organize traffic, and improve traffic flow, curbside uses will be altered on most blocks along the Link corridors and prohibited on some This includes legal and illegal parking, standing, loading, and pick-ups/drop-offs CDOT has identified potential alternative locations to perform existing curbside activities, including cross-streets, alleys, and modifications to existing curbside regulations CDOT will meet/work with all stakeholders along the corridors (buildings and businesses) to ensure their needs are met Education and Enforcement Efforts CDOT will issue flyers and media information prior to Link implementation describing the changes to the roadway configuration and curbside use restrictions CDOT will work with various stakeholders who frequently utilize the corridors, but do not live/work/own on the corridor, to ensure these stakeholders understand the changes to the roadway configuration and curbside use restrictions FedEx, UPS, USPS, Brinks, charter buses, etc. CDOT will work with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the Department of Finance to ensure all users of the roadway are complying with the new roadway configuration Construction Phasing - Estimated March 16: Madison and Clinton Madison: begins at State and progresses westbound; work on Madison between Michigan and State will occur in the summer Clinton: begins at Randolph and progresses southbound April: Union Station Transit Center Jackson, between Clinton and Canal Spring: Washington and Canal Washington: begins at Clinton and progresses eastbound Canal: begins at Van Buren and progresses northbound Late-Summer: Randolph Repaving/bike lane installation begins at Michigan and progresses westbound Water Department construction on Randolph commences in spring before Loop Link work Late-2015: Loop Link ready for use Spring 2016: Canal Median installation between Adams and Jackson Coordinating with adjacent projects to minimize traffic impacts Washington/Wabash CTA Station Union Station Transit Center Adams Street Viaduct Questions? [email protected] [email protected]