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$100-150 Million investment in three transportation projects prioritizing the movement of people to and through the Loop

Washington/Wabash CTA Station Loop LinkUnion 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 touristsImprovements to traffic flow and safety for all users of the roadway – pedestrians, transit users, bicyclists and motorists

An Investment in our Future

Demonstrates commitment to world-class sustainable transportConvenient, expanded access to more downtown destinationsImproved 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 timesGenerates pedestrian traffic to retailers

Downtown Benefits

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Loop Link – Project PurposeImprove mobility in the Loop for residents, employees, businesses and visitorsProvide faster, more reliable bus serviceOrganize traffic flow and improve pedestrian environment and bike network

Loop Link Features

Dedicated bus lanes with red concrete surface for 6 bus routes8 Link Stations with easy boardingBus Queue Jump at 7 intersectionsProtected bike lanes and bicycle traffic signalsResurfacing of all impacted streetsNew pick-up/drop-off configuration at Union Station on Canal Street

Loop Link Features

Loop Link Corridors & Station Locations

Link StationsPlatform lengths vary between 115’ and 153’ to accommodate two articulated buses at the same time, plus access ramps90’ station shelter compared to current 14’ JC Decaux shelterVisually appealing and transparent to maintain sightlines of adjacent buildings/businesses/sidewalks Station 14’ high to shelter boarding/alighting passengers

Pedestrian BenefitsIncreased sidewalk space by removing existing bus shelters and signs from the sidewalk Reduced conflicts at intersections with changes to traffic signals and turn restrictionsLink stations and/or protected bike lanes buffer pedestrians from motor vehicle traffic

Transit Rider BenefitsImproved bus service reliability and travel times with exclusive bus lanesNew distinctive bus stations with level boarding, weather protection, lighting, and real time LED bus arrival timesBetter and more understandable wayfinding, including connections to/from Metra and CTA RailImproved safety and security with installation of CCTV camerasAccessibility for persons with Disabilities (ADA)

Bicyclist Benefits

Direct connections to existing bikewaysEastbound & 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 BenefitsMore reliable travel times due to reduced conflicts with buses and bikesImproved turning movements with changes to traffic light phasing

Protected right turns can increase turning capacity and reduce conflicts with peds and bikesPermissive/protected left turns will increase turning capacity and reduce conflicts with peds

At least two general traffic lanes maintained on all streetsBuses will no longer operate on Monroe Street, reducing conflicts/congestionsAll garages/alleys will remain accessibleNew drop-off/pick-up area at Union Station

Roadway ChangesAll existing right and left turns will be maintained except at 4 locations where right turns will be restricted for safety reasons and improved traffic flowVarious design treatments and traffic signal modifications will be used to organize traffic, increase safety for all modes, and maintain throughput

Loading and Curbside UsesTo 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 someThis includes legal and illegal parking, standing, loading, and pick-ups/drop-offsCDOT 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 EffortsCDOT will issue flyers and media information prior to Link implementation describing the changes to the roadway configuration and curbside use restrictionsCDOT 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 - EstimatedMarch 16: Madison and Clinton

Madison: begins at State and progresses westbound; work on Madison between Michigan and State will occur in the summerClinton: begins at Randolph and progresses southbound

April: Union Station Transit CenterJackson, between Clinton and Canal

Spring: Washington and CanalWashington: begins at Clinton and progresses eastboundCanal: begins at Van Buren and progresses northbound

Late-Summer: RandolphRepaving/bike lane installation begins at Michigan and progresses westboundWater Department construction on Randolph commences in spring before Loop Link work

Late-2015: Loop Link ready for useSpring 2016: Canal

Median installation between Adams and Jackson

Coordinating with adjacent projects to minimize traffic impactsWashington/Wabash CTA StationUnion Station Transit CenterAdams Street Viaduct

Questions?

mike.amsden@cityofchicago.orgcharlene.walsh@cityofchicago.org