Question on traffic displacement

05/20/2010

Hi Folks

Thank you for taking the time to review and comment on the information presented here.

We’d like to pose a question back to the commenters who are opposed to parking on Ridge.

One of the key findings is that the parking could be restored at certain times without displacing traffic. That is, that when the number of cars travelling down Ridge drops, such as in the overnight hours, adding parking would not affect their traveling safely down the street at the speed limit and won’t displace traffic to side streets.

However, many of you objected to the findings based on the idea that cars would be displaced to side streets.

So we’d like to ask: Did these facts come across well in the way we provided the information? If they did come across, and your concerns remain, could you speak to why you think the conclusions are wrong?

Thanks

Doug Fraser, Chief of Staff

Alderman Mary Ann Smith, 48th

Ideas for Improving Ridge Avenue

At the request of Alderman Mary Ann Smith, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) did a traffic study, looking at volume, speed and safety along Ridge Avenue from Broadway to Clark and Hollywood from Broadway to Ridge.

The goals of looking at Ridge Avenue parking and traffic issues:

• Increase the safety and quality of life along Ridge Avenue
• Provide better connections between neighbors and community resources
• Assist the emerging arts corridor along Ridge Avenue.

Observations on traffic:

The study concluded that Ridge has both a speeding and congestion problem. During peak times, there is too much traffic. Adding parking at these times would be inappropriate.

During non-peak times, the study concluded that the traffic speeds and is unsafe. During these times, replacing the parking that was stripped would both protect walkers, aid the neighborhood and present a visual signal for drivers to behave better.

The study also offered a series of other suggestions for consideration:

1. Add international crosswalks, LED lights, countdown signals.
2. Modernize pedestrian signals.
3. Curb extensions at Glenwood/Ridge will make pedestrian crossing safer.
4. Consider a gateway treatment at Hollywood viaduct to alert drivers they are entering a neighborhood.
5. Add bus shelters and benches where possible.
6. Add trees where possible for shade and greening.
7. Redesign Hollywood/Wayne/Ridge intersection to make it more predictable, pleasant and safer.
8. Between Hollywood and Magnolia, southbound, where there is only one lane of traffic feeding off of Ridge, restore parking to the south side of the street.
9. During periods when the traffic volume can be handled by fewer lanes, which are the times people speed most, add parking at select locations.
10. Addition of parking would require removal or redesign of the existing planters.

For a full copy of study:  Livable Streets – Ridge Ave

If you wish to comment, please do so below.