Improving traffic flow through Edgebrook took center stage at meeting; bike lanes, curb extensions among the options

by BRIAN NADIG

A series of short- and long-term solutions to improving vehicle, bike and pedestrian traffic through  Edgebrook took center stage at a July 8 community meeting on a planned transportation study.

“We are at the very, very beginning stage of something that might happen here” to improve traffic flow, city Department of Transportation project manager Lindsey Frey told the approximately 100 people who attended the meeting at Edgebrook School.

The entire project could take 10 years or more, especially if long-term solutions such as an overpass or underpass at the Devon Avenue railroad crossing were to be implemented, Frey said. “We likely will need federal funding (for the project’s construction phase).”

Walk signal improvements, protected bike lanes, curb bump outs, pedestrian refuge islands, dedicated dropoff zones for motorists and raised crosswalks are among the short- and mid-term improvements which could be implemented, depending on the community feedback, according to the department.

“The intersection at Devon, Caldwell, Central and Lehigh includes six closely spaced intersections with the Metra rail line crossing three of the major roadways, creating a challenging environment to move across whether you are walking/rolling, biking, riding transit or in a private vehicle,” the department Web site states.

Frey said at the meeting that several of the intersections include “odd angles,” making for a long crosswalk.

Alderman Samantha Nugent (39th) said that nightmarish traffic backups faced due to the multiple rail crossings create challenges that “are more than an inconvenience.” She added that these delays impact the quality of life for residents, restrict access to local businesses and increase response time for first responders.

Alderman James Gardiner (45th) said that feedback from residents is welcome and will play a key role in the study.

Edgebrook Community Association’s Jan Kupiec raised concerns about the number of freight trains which travel through Edgebrook, causing long traffic delays. She said that freight trains were rerouted through Edgebrook after a viaduct collapse in Glenview years ago and that the change appears to be permanent.

In addition, several residents called for the trains to stop further north of Devon so that the crossing gates can be raised while commuters are boarding the trains at the Edgebrook Metra Station, 6400 N. Kinzua Ave.

At the meeting, attendees were encouraged to talk to CDOT representatives and write down their recommendations or concerns.
The comments included calls for bike lanes on Central Avenue, pedestrian bridges, a new train station building with better seating,
“do not block intersection” signage with threats of fines and red-light cameras.

A follow-up community meeting is planned for this fall, Frey said.

On its Web site, the  department gives the following description of the “Access Edgebrook” study:

“The Chicago Department of Transportation  is conducting a Planning and Environmental Linkages Study of Devon-Caldwell-Central-Lehigh Intersection Cluster in Edgebrook. The study is an effort from CDOT to develop and evaluate transportation improvement options at the complex intersection cluster in the Edgebrook community. The study includes an evaluation of potential grade separation alternatives between the Metra Milwaukee District North Line and Devon Avenue.”

It adds, “A complex intersection has one or more of the following qualities: closely spaced intersections, skewed angles, more than four legs, and at-grade rail crossings.” The department also said that “a PEL is a type of study that allows CDOT to identify issues in a study area in collaboration with stakeholders and develop alternatives to be carried forward as the project progresses. During the PEL study, the team will develop a ‘Purpose and Need Statement’ and conduct preliminary screening and elimination of unreasonable alternatives.”

A formal PEL study will help to secure possible federal funds for the project, Frey said.

Some residents said that while they welcome transportation improvements, they’ve attended similar meetings over the years and don’t expect to see any meaningful changes to address the rail crossing delays.

Concerns also have been raised that constructing an overpass or underpass at one railroad crossing would not necessarily address problems at the other nearby crossings.

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