Construction began today on the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)’s pilot of near-term improvements for people walking, biking, riding transit, and driving on Milwaukee Avenue between Western Avenue and Division Street. The Vision Zero High Crash Corridor project features enhanced crossings, upgraded bicycle facilities, and bus stop optimization throughout the corridor. To complement these improvements, the posted speed limit will be lowered to 20 MPH. CDOT will evaluate these changes to determine their effectiveness.

Project Benefits

SAFE SPEEDS
The new design and lowered speed limit will encourage drivers to travel at speeds appropriate for the variety of users and activities present along the corridor.

ENHANCED CROSSINGS
Paint and post bump-outs will reduce crossing distances, improve pedestrian visibility, and prevent illegal parking in crosswalks.

INCREASED PEDESTRIAN SPACE
Slip lane closures at complex intersections will create more space for pedestrian activity and reduce conflicts for all users.

ORGANIZED TRAFFIC
A dashed bike lane will position drivers of passenger vehicles closer to the center line, providing more space for people on bikes. Other improvements such as bike boxes and bike left turn lanes will increase
the visibility and predictability of people biking at intersections. Select CTA bus stops will also be relocated to minimize conflicts between users and improve bus operations.

Interim Treatments

Low-cost, low-impact geometric improvements that can be designed and installed quickly and adjusted easily.

PAINT & POST BUMP-OUTS
Pavement markings and flex posts designate pedestrian space that should not be used by other modes. Like concrete bump-outs, paint & post bump-outs reduce crossing distances, slow turning speeds, increase pedestrian visibility, and prevent illegal parking in the crosswalk.

SLIP LANE CLOSURE
Low-cost materials will be used to close slip lanes with low vehicle volumes to reduce conflicts at complex intersections and create additional pedestrian space.

DASHED BIKE LANE
CDOT is piloting the dashed bike lane to provide additional space for people bicycling by encouraging people who are driving to position themselves closer to the centerline of the street. People driving are allowed to travel in the dashed bike lane when needed, and operators of large vehicles such as trucks and buses are expected to use the dashed bike lane whenever traveling on Milwaukee Avenue. CDOT will be evaluating the effectiveness of the dashed bike lane by monitoring lane positioning, travel speeds, and crashes, and by gathering user feedback.

 PEOPLE BIKING
– Ride in the dashed bike lane as if it were a
standard bike lane.
– Large vehicles are expected to use the
dashed bike lane. Pass these vehicles with
care when it is safe to do so.

PEOPLE DRIVING
– Drive between the centerline and striped 9’
guideline whenever possible to leave space
for people bicycling.
– Only enter the dashed bike lane if necessary.
– Leave at least 3’ of space when overtaking
people on bikes.
OPERATORS OF TRUCKS AND BUSES
– Due to larger vehicle size, it will not be possible to drive between the centerline and 9’ guideline. Use the effective 14’ of space between the centerline and parking lane line by crossing the dashed bike lane after ensuring it is safe to do so.
– Leave at least 3’ of space when overtaking people bicycling.

To provide feedback on the project, please call the Department of Transportation at (312) 744-3600, e-mail cdotnews@cityofchicago.org or visit www.cityofchicago.org/transportation