Cortland and Damen construction = communting challenge

The Damen/Fullerton construction is going to start later this week.  That's been scheduled for a while and I'm looking forward to the eventual improvements.  I do wonder how cyclists are going to fit into the one lane of Damen traffic during construction. I figure I'll just avoid Damen whenever possible.  

Then last night on my ride home, I saw the sign announcing that Cortland will be closed starting 6/1.   So there goes my alternate Elston to Clybourn route.  Anyone know how long that closure is expected to last?  Anyone have other suggestions for West Town to Andersonville commute?  

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Permalink Reply by Brian on June 1, 2015 at 10:59am

I tried that this a.m. inbound. Only problem is that small stretch on Diversey. I just took the lane...as there is little room within those two lanes in each direction. Sat in a little traffic at the light, but it was pretty quick. all other sections were smooth sailing (I turned off at Halsted). 

Permalink Reply by Julia 3.5/7.5 mi on June 1, 2015 at 6:56pm
I ride those sections pretty regularly - Diversey between Elston and Clybourn daily, Clybourn between Diversey and Fullerton daily, and Clybourn between Racine/Cortland to Division a few times a week.

Diversey isn't bad - even during rush hour. There's almost always someone still parked along the curb, so traffic stays in the innermost lane. I take the outer lane - full lane if it's clear, inner 1/3 if there are parked cars. It's easiest to wait in the queue at the 2 lights by the bridge and @ Damen/Clybourn.

The newer bike lanes on Clybourn help, though people still drive in them near Costco. Watch out for the car wash just north of Fullerton too - easily 10+ cars in the bike lane most days. Eventually the traffic backs up at lights and the bike lane is the quickest way to get through. Fairly chill ride overall with a few congested points.
Permalink Reply by Rich S on June 2, 2015 at 2:23am

I agree Clybourn is a good route and flip flop between that and Elston as my routes to work. It helps that there isn't a bus route on that street. The only section that kinda sucks is between Halsted and Larrabee due to the construction. 

Permalink Reply by yaj 7.4 on June 2, 2015 at 3:12am

Met a cyclist today who said he rode across the Cortland Bridge sidewalk with no problems this morning.

Today I took Cherry, which is pretty cool, then crossed the river at Division.  The only tough part was the left run through traffic on North Ave.  Division isn't great, because the pavement is torn up on the north side of the street going westbound just before the bridge.  The bridge is grate with no plates, so I wouldn't want to do it on my high pressure road tires, but its ok on my commuter bike.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on June 4, 2015 at 3:32am

I rode the sidewalk across the Cortland bridge last night (6/3) around 6pm without issue. Not ideal but better than a complete barrier.

Permalink Reply by Adam on June 4, 2015 at 6:06am

I second this. Rode slowly on the sidewalk over the bridge. The bridge is actually more pleasant now than it normally is with car traffic. 

Permalink Reply by Brian on June 4, 2015 at 3:19am

Is Elston ridable near the Damen work? I haven't heard much about the construction there in terms of its impact on Elston riding. 

Permalink Reply by Rich S on June 4, 2015 at 3:26am

I took Clybourn this morning but it was ridable every other day this week. I actually prefer the Damen intersection since they removed a lane from each direction of travel. I feel that's reduced some of the stop light drag racing in both directions from Damen. Only bad thing is the bike lanes on the west side of Damen are more full of gravel and crap than they already were before. 

Permalink Reply by JeffB on June 4, 2015 at 6:42am

I rode it last night and had no problems

Permalink Reply by BootsyC on June 4, 2015 at 9:21am

Same.

It's reduced to 1 lane from the old entrance to the Staples parking lot to Damen, so only a hundred yards or so.  But I imagine it will change considerably after the demo of the MidTown building on the NE corner.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on June 4, 2015 at 7:16am

Apologies if this has been addressed, but do we know if Cortland IS going to become completely impassable around the Finkl plant at some point?

Permalink Reply by yaj 7.4 on June 5, 2015 at 9:01am

I don't think we know yet what will ultimately happen with Cortland.  I guess it depends on how they re-develop that property.

My question - which side the the bridge remains open at this time? Southside or northside

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