Forward - City of Chicago

protected bike lanes, and collect data for
evaluation.
f. Install 10 pedestrian refuge islands per year at
locations recommended by Aldermen through
the “menu” capital improvement program.
g. Expand the use of in-street “State Law: Stop for
Pedestrians” signs, speed indicator signs, and
related devices through the Aldermanic “menu”
capital program.
h. Adopt a policy on the use of Accessible
Pedestrian Signals (APS).
DAMEN-ELSTON-
FULLERTON
The Damen-Elston-Fullerton intersection has often been
one of the ten most dangerous intersections in the city,
with as many as 100 crashes in a year. Its skewed, sixpoint,
three-signal orientation challenges turning vehicles
and often results in poor judgment by drivers. The
short distance between signals limits storage space for
turning vehicles, the corners are too sharp for turning
buses and trucks, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities
are inadequate.
After evaluating alternatives that would either simply
modernize signals or build an overpass or tunnel for
Fullerton traffic, a more creative option was chosen.
It will relocate Elston Avenue (the diagonal street) to
bypass the current intersection, creating three separate
signalized four-point intersections. Access will be
maintained to businesses and homes facing the bypassed
section of Elston by converting it to a narrower
local street.
This design has several benefits:
• Improved safety: Significant reduction of
potential vehicle conflicts and driver confusion,
resulting in fewer opportunities for crashes.
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• Minimal inconvenience during
construction: The majority of the project can
be built while the existing intersection continues
to operate.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure:
Improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities,
including a new continuous bike lane along
Elston.
• Assist with future growth: Enhances
2. Rendering of Damen-Elston-Fullerton proposed alignment
economic development potential along the
corridor with a new face-lift for the area.