El Paseo Trail Project (East Pilsen)
Team Members Heading link
- Hanna Awad
- Natasha Breslieva
- Sam Cramer
- Cleofe Jaurigue
- Jessica Lopez
Project Description Heading link
Abstract: The El Paseo Trail Project is intended to evolve an old and unused rail track into an over 4-mile-long rail-to-trail path and public space that will promote walking and biking, support healthy communities and a cleaner environment. Our project focuses on a portion of the trail at the eastern terminus within the Pilsen neighborhood that starts at the El Paseo Community Garden on 21st Street and ends at the intersection of Cermak Road, Canalport Avenue and Morgan Street. Currently, this area is not utilized by residents due to traffic and safety concerns rooted from vacant industrial properties, old railroad geometry, lack of urban planning and green infrastructure. This area was chosen in order to mitigate pedestrian and cyclist safety complications associated with the addition of a trail crossing to the already complex 5-way intersection. Our work included the evaluation of existing conditions, development and evaluation of several design alternatives, and selection of a final design which best meets the project needs. The anticipated improvements in the project area include the addition of a recreational path as well as an on-road two-way cycle track, pedestrian safety features, traffic improvements, and the conversion of two adjacent empty lots to recreational park space. Additionally, our design includes sustainability initiatives, such as using solar-powered LED lights along the trail, increasing the ratio of green space to concrete and incorporating green infrastructure that will improve the stormwater management in the area. Our design prioritizes safety first, with community involvement closely following, as well as keeping in mind the effects of gentrification on the area and having a positive environmental impact. Overall, the goal of the project is to transform an industrialized section into a safe, open, and environmentally friendly space that is an asset to the community.