Taylor Street Innovation Using Complete Streets
Team Members Heading link
- Eduardo Alcorchas
- Alex Blizek
- Ricardo Vega
Advisors: David Kleinwachter, PE; Dr. Farid Peiravian
Project Description Heading link
A Complete Street is a unique roadway that is designed to be safe and accessible for all users within that roadway, which include pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, and motorists. Complete Streets is defined under Illinois Public Act 095-0665 as a law that directs the state to establish pedestrian and bicycle accommodations in the planning and reconstruction of all state road projects.
In Chicago, there are various streets that have not been redesigned or made up to date with the latest specifications and needs for our growing population. While constant work is seen on paving the roadways and applying new concrete sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, there is still more design work to be done other than routine maintenance in order to have “Complete Streets.” Many Chicago streets lack dedicated bicycle and bus lanes as well as accommodations for public-transportation users. The existing design of streets accommodates mainly drivers and does not take into consideration the growing number of people using alternative means of transportation.
The scope of this project will be dedicated toward updating an insufficient roadway in the city in desperate need of new pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. The street chosen for the project will be Taylor Street from Halsted to Morgan Streets. Complete Streets will include updated sidewalks with emergency booths for people walking at night, dedicated bike lanes, and dedicated bus lanes with accommodations for those waiting at the bus stop in order to achieve a more convenient and safer commute for users. This street was chosen because many students use it every day to walk from various buildings and facilities around the UIC campus. Taylor Street will be enhanced using CDOT specifications in order and to bring it into conformance with the Illinois Complete Streets policy and create safer accommodations for all users of the roadway.