“The Future of Chicago’s Lincoln, Irving, and Damen Crossing: A Vision for Connectivity and Mobility”

Redesigning North Center’s Busy Intersection: A Community Decision

BY EDWARD FELSENTHAL

OCTOBER 4, 2022

An Intersection with Challenges

North Center, a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, is home to a bustling intersection that has raised concerns among residents and local officials. The convergence of Irving Park Road, Lincoln Avenue, and Damen Avenue has experienced a staggering 47 crashes since 2020, according to data from Alderman Matt Martin’s office. Recognizing the significance of this intersection as both a vital community hub and a traffic hotspot, Martin is spearheading a redesign project to address the ongoing challenges.

Community Input is Paramount

In a commendable move, Alderman Martin is actively seeking input from his constituents to shape the final design concepts. During a recent public meeting, neighbors had the opportunity to review the potential redesigns and provide feedback. The primary focus of both concepts is to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Damen and Lincoln, which are city-owned roads. However, there is a significant difference between the two proposals regarding the left-turn lanes from Damen onto Irving Park.

Alternative Concept One: A Shift in Traffic Flow

The first design concept aims to remove the left-turn lane from Damen onto Irving Park. By doing so, the plan allows for the installation of a parking-protected bike lane on the east side of the street leading to Irving Park. Additionally, it creates more pedestrian space and protected areas for bicyclists at the northbound approach to the intersection. The redesign intends to “calm” turning movements at the intersection by promoting slower and safer speeds for vehicles. Concerns were raised about potential increased traffic on residential streets, but the introduction of traffic calming measures on adjacent roads like Grace is being considered.

Alternative Concept Two: Maintaining the Status Quo

The second proposal, in contrast, retains the left-turn lanes from Damen onto Irving Park. It calls for the removal of parking on the east side of Damen, south of Irving Park, to accommodate the necessary changes. While this concept offers fewer and narrower pedestrian curb extensions and fewer improvements for bicyclists compared to Alternative Concept One, its overall objective aligns with the first design.

Weighing the Options

The decision-making process for selecting the final design will include a review of community feedback received through an online survey, which will be open until October 25th. The opinions and concerns expressed by the residents will guide Alderman Martin and transportation officials in their decision-making. They are expected to make a choice during the week of November 6th, after detailed analysis of the survey results. Once the design is finalized, construction is expected to commence next year.

A Philosophical Lens: Balancing Efficiency, Safety, and Livability

The debate surrounding the redesign of North Center’s intersection goes beyond mere infrastructure changes. It delves into a philosophical exploration of how urban spaces can balance efficiency, safety, and livability. The competing design concepts invite us to reflect on the priorities we assign to different modes of transportation, the role of public input in decision-making, and the responsibility of the city to create spaces that are not only functional but also enjoyable for its residents.

Alternative Concept One emphasizes active transportation by prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety through the removal of left-turn lanes. This vision aligns with principles of walkability and sustainable mobility. It aims to create a more inviting, accessible, and visually appealing streetscape. However, concerns about potential increased traffic on residential streets highlight the need for complementary measures, such as traffic calming, to ensure that the redistribution of vehicles does not negatively impact local neighborhoods.

Alternative Concept Two, while maintaining the left-turn lanes, recognizes the importance of preserving familiar traffic patterns. By accommodating existing habits, this design seeks to minimize disruption for drivers. However, it places a greater burden on pedestrians and cyclists by providing fewer improvements for their safety and comfort. The challenge here lies in finding the right balance between accommodating various modes of transportation and promoting sustainable and active forms of mobility.

Ultimately, the choice between the two proposals requires a careful examination of the neighborhood’s unique characteristics, traffic patterns, and long-term objectives. It demands a nuanced understanding of how different design elements can impact the intersection’s functionality and the overall quality of life for both residents and commuters.

The Way Forward: Engage, Evaluate, Execute

The redesign of North Center’s intersection provides an opportunity for engaged citizenship and participatory decision-making. The involvement of residents through the survey demonstrates their commitment to shaping their neighborhood’s future and fostering a sense of ownership over public spaces.

To ensure the best outcome, it is crucial for Alderman Martin and transportation officials to carefully evaluate all the feedback received. They must consider the trade-offs associated with each design concept and focus on the long-term impact rather than short-term convenience.

Moreover, this project should serve as a reminder for other communities and city leaders to prioritize inclusive and thorough public consultation when making significant urban development decisions. Engaging the community fosters trust, encourages collaboration, and leads to solutions that better align with the diverse needs and aspirations of the residents.

As North Center moves forward with its intersection redesign, the principles of safety, accessibility, and livability must guide the decision-makers. By leveraging the power of public input, the community can ensure that the final design strikes a thoughtful balance between the needs of all road users, creating an intersection that is safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

is a current affairs commentator and columnist for The New York Times.