Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark Kenseth on November 22, 2010 at 5:51am

Because Chicago doesn't get it.

I wish there was at least a map or graphic presentation of the project in the story.

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Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on November 22, 2010 at 6:02am

I'm guessing it's because there is a lot of industrial traffic in that corridor.

I'm just glad to see that the project will involve resurfacing the street. That's a pretty hideous stretch right now.

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on November 22, 2010 at 7:01am

Perhaps it'll be better totally closed than that ClusterFrak that was the North Ave bridge constuction. And it'll be bike-friendly when it is done.

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on November 22, 2010 at 8:04am

Why 4 lanes on the bridge?

CDOT is playing a joke on impatient motorists? A massive design flaw?

Regardless, it should be fun seeing cars merging back into one lane of traffic after crossing the bridge.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on November 22, 2010 at 8:29am

Here's the alderman's flyer for the project, which does include a picture. I would assume that the 4-lane configuration is due to all the industrial traffic in the area.

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on November 22, 2010 at 8:51am

Thanks,
I had seen this picture before. This version has been cropped and excludes the (future) river walkway from North to Division, which would pass under Halsted.

See uncropped version here:
http://www.historicbridges.org/illinois/halsted2/slab_large.jpg

Anne Alt said:

Here's the alderman's flyer for the project, which does include a picture. I would assume that the 4-lane configuration is due to all the industrial traffic in the area.

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Permalink Reply by Len Krietz on November 22, 2010 at 11:51am

Wow. First I or any of my co-workers heard of this (I work at Hooker & Halsted). This will only effect me the few times a month I drive but it will be a traffic nightmate on southern Goose Island as well as really blocking up Division & Chicago with the extra traffic. Best bike route to the island is to use the train/ped bridge on north ave (might start seeing more bikers on it).

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Permalink Reply by David on November 22, 2010 at 12:17pm

The Cherry Ave. Bridge, , one of the most gorgeous bridges in the area. I constantly go out of my way to cross Goose Island just so I can ride over it.

Len Krietz said:

Best bike route to the island is to use the train/ped bridge on north ave (might start seeing more bikers on it).

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on November 23, 2010 at 2:51am

I LOVE what they did with the bridge at the north end of Goose Island.

I agree that traffic in the Goose Island area will be nightmarish during construction - likely to affect a lot of people.

David said:

The Cherry Ave. Bridge, , one of the most gorgeous bridges in the area. I constantly go out of my way to cross Goose Island just so I can ride over it.

Len Krietz said:

Best bike route to the island is to use the train/ped bridge on north ave (might start seeing more bikers on it).

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Permalink Reply by Lee Crandell on November 24, 2010 at 9:53am

I'd normally agree it's ridiculous to widen this bridge to four lanes, but the city has long-term plans to put Bus Rapid Transit on Halsted, which means those extra lanes would eventually be needed to have bus-only lanes. I hope that's their reasoning, and I hope those extra lanes do get turned into physically separated bus lanes sooner rather than later.

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Permalink Reply by Al Ribskis on November 24, 2010 at 11:00am

Hi,

I'd offer the thought that the new bridge having 2 lanes in each direction would be logical. On the ( relatively
few ) times I drive there, when going northbound, immediately after the bridge I often make use of the curb
lane. . . . . . . no parking is allowed there, it's always clear. I have a small ( narrow ) car and it's a pleasure
to make progress in this available lane, instead of being yet another car lined up in single-lane jammed traffic.

( I hasten to add, when I do this, I am super-aware for bicyclists and I'll stay in the main traffic lane until
any/all bikes are clear )

South of the bridge/ travelling southbound it's different, as there is parking; thus it seems the new bridge/new plan
should have no parking here as well : thus making Halsted a totally-clear 4 lanes from north of Division down to almost Grand Ave. ( whoops ! I mean, a clear 4 lanes PLUS dedicated bike lanes ! )

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on November 24, 2010 at 1:13pm

You do realize that you are more than likely driving in the bike lane when doing what you described?

While I don't have a problem with 4 lane roads in itself (Irving Park, Peterson, Western) I don't like roads that switch from 2-4 lanes and back. When going to 4 lanes, motorists tend to speed up to pass "the other guy" and cram themselves in front of him when it goes back to 2 lanes. It's the main reason I avoid Halsted southbound. At Halsted and Chicago I got passed too close once too often.

Also, your reasoning fails at the bridge at Kendall College. It's not wide enough to support 4 lanes plus bike lanes.

Nevermind the fact that your argument that it is logical seems to consist of nothing more than that it is a pleasure to drive on a 4 lane road.

I think I'll stick with Dr Dooms earlier explanation
Al Ribskis said:

Hi,

I'd offer the thought that the new bridge having 2 lanes in each direction would be logical. On the ( relatively
few ) times I drive there, when going northbound, immediately after the bridge I often make use of the curb
lane. . . . . . . no parking is allowed there, it's always clear. I have a small ( narrow ) car and it's a pleasure
to make progress in this available lane, instead of being yet another car lined up in single-lane jammed traffic.

( I hasten to add, when I do this, I am super-aware for bicyclists and I'll stay in the main traffic lane until
any/all bikes are clear )

South of the bridge/ travelling southbound it's different, as there is parking; thus it seems the new bridge/new plan
should have no parking here as well : thus making Halsted a totally-clear 4 lanes from north of Division down to almost Grand Ave. ( whoops ! I mean, a clear 4 lanes PLUS dedicated bike lanes ! )

• ▶ Reply

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