Transit home. IDOT site: www.danryanexpressway.com, more contacts

Massive Dan Ryan reconstruction looms, Red Line overhaul continues.

Ryan project opponents force some concessions, but fear continues that neighborhoods all the way to the Lake will be diminished. IDOT cites major improv'ts

A service of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Transit and Parking Committee and the HPKCC website, www.hydepark.org
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Join the Transit Task Force-contact chairman James Withrow.

Mainline work now underway

Summary

The Dan Ryan (CDOT site). It's down to half the lanes again (this time the locals are closed) and much ramp and overpass work is underway. Also on the Skyway. Traffic spills over to Stony Island, Cornell, Lake Shore Drive and through the neighborhood--be careful and leave lots of time. Several more ramps are closing including at least one interface with the Eisenhower. Watchout for lane interweaving at 31st. Nothbound exit ramps clsoes include 39th exit and 47th entrance. Also southbound at 71st, 75th, 79th and 83rd.

www.danryanexpressway.com. Northbound 55th and 47th St. ramps are now open but northbound 51st ramps are permanently closed. Now under construction is the new exit ramp at 47th resulting in reduced lanes on Wentworth. 55th entrance and exit ramps are now open. When 55th lanes reopened late summer, IDOT permanently closed 4 ramps at 51st and 2 at 59th, 2 new at 47th are open. This is a $600 million project whose aim is said to be primarily safety and safe handling of an overload of traffic. A major effect is the permanent closure of the 51st ramps, making 55th/Garfield worse than ever. HPKCC Transit Task Force leader James Withrow told the 4/7/06 Maroon, "I'm worried that the neighborhood will regret not fighting this more."

Dan Ryan express lanes are closed March to August (some sources say November) 2006, after which the local lanes close late winter 2007 to near the end of 2007. Expect spillover everywhere. Ald. Hairston is upset that funds have not been set aside to prepare and repair Lake Shore Drive and Cornell/Stony Island, which are expected to bear the brunt of shifted traffic. Ald. Hairston is circulating a petition to have lights along Stony Island and the inner drive coordinated. Expect the traffic to be terrible--IDOT is telling folks, "Avoid the Ryan." Also that "it's too late" to coordinate the signals now--after stalling for years. Note, parking is banned on Stony and the other designated alternates during rush hour--7-9 NB, 4-6 SB- this includes Cottage 35th to 95th, King 83rd to 95th. Ticketing and towing start April 10.

This will be serious, like no other road project ever in Chicago not only with up to a hundred thousand cars and trucks seeking alternatives, but remaining traffic crowded onto the Local T-R-U-C-K lanes and running feet from construction equipment and personnel--virtually no shoulder for emergencies. Keeping the highway open for business with half the lanes and few alternates not already clogged hasn't been tried on this scale. And this highway carries twice design traffic and has lots of accidents. And don't forget all the other highways south of the Eisenhower have roadwork too.

This has spilled over into all highways and arterials--in the 3rd largest US city, with 3rd most congestion. It could also affect deliveries and jobs if trucks bypass the area--or the Chicago region. If the past is a guide only 15-20 percent will switch roads. Caution- in past projects nearly everyone found their commute times longer, no matter how they went.

CTA, Metra say they're ready, with spare equipment, built park and rides, Red Line upgrades.

"Keep us Alive, Drive 45". You'll be lucky to ever see 30 during this project. Also Share your ride, tune in to traffic, shift times, reroute, keep car in good shape, wear safety belt, pay attention to conditions.

If you have an accident or vehicle trouble on the Ryan--stay inside your car unless there is imminent emergency. If your vehicle can't limp to the nearest exit, pop the hood, use your GIS and wait for help. Top

Alderman Hairston held meetings with IDOT, wrote several letters shared in the Herald and circulated a petition saying that not enough was spent on preparation including signal coordination in the Stony-Cornell-Lake Shore Drive corridor. We present here IDOT's case of what it has and will do.

Thanks, Ald. Hairston--Clayton K. Harris II, Chief of Staff, IDOT. March 29, 2006 Herald

The Illinois Department of Transportation would like to thank Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) for highlighting important key elements of the Dan Ryan Reconstruction Project. This massive two-year mainline construction beginning April 1 is a complex project that affects more than 300,00 vehicles that travel the Dan Ryan daily. Preparing the local communities and roads in the Dan Ryan footprint has been a primary concern in the planning for mainline work in 2006 an 2007.

We have coordinated efforts with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Chicago Skyway consortium, the Illinois Tollway, CTA PACE and Metra and worked very closely with the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department and the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) to ensure a unified multi-agency transportation plan during Dan Ryan mainline construction.

In addition to improving traffic signal timing on Ashland avenue, which has the capacity to serve as an alternate route for heavy trucks, IDOT provided funding for CDOT's South Lake Shore Drive reconstruction and invested to improve connectivity on Stony Island Avenue and Cornell Drive in Jackson Park.

In the past few years, IDOT has contributed to improvements to the CTA Redline, Metra's Electric and Rock Island lines and the Slut side bridges that run over the Dan Ryan.

IDOT, CDOT and OEMC officers will closely monitor traffic on Stony Island Avenue to determine the need for additional adjustments to traffic signal timing. IDOT has provided funding for OEMC Traffic Management Authority (TMA) to monitor and adjust existing traffic signal equipment along the alternate routes, including the Stony Island Avenue/South Lake Shore Drive corridor. This provides TMA, the agency with the greatest knowledge of local traffic patterns, the flexibility to modify signal timing and progressions based on changing traffic conditions.

The Dan Ryan Expressway Reconstruction Project, plus the improvements to Stony Island Avenue, Ashland Avenue and Lake Shore Drive, are a multi-year, major investment to the infrastructure of the South Side of Chicago. Clearly Ald. Hairston is as concerned as IDOT is with the travel and traffic safety of Dan Ryan commuters and Stony Island Avenue community residents. IDOT reminds motorists to follow these helpful tips as you navigate the Dan Ryan during mainline construction:

  • Wearing seat belts is just as important on surface streets as on the expressway.
  • Respect the local community; behave as though you are a guest.
  • Schools, churches and stores are everywhere--be on the lookout for pedestrians.
  • Please obey traffic signals. Top

The Alderman replied in the April 5 Herald (to be published the 12th due to a publication problem) "you're welcome," but IDOT has never gotten it. All they did was string together a few of the lights in Jackson Park, no signal except one was modernized or interconnected. And PS, the Lake Shore Drive/Cornell project was CDOT's, not IDOT's.

Maryal Stone Dale said in the Herald the IDOT's big mistake was not to anticipate that so much traffic would crowd Cornell/57th Drive. Joseph Jankovic said it's also terrible on South Shore Drive.

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Impacts and advice to date

The first week saw a mixed bag from minimal to heavy impacts--and a couple of real crush days on the Ryan. Since it's almost impossible to guess which days most will chance the Ryan (or any one alternate) as aggregate analysis will show, find more than one non-Ryan option, vary them, and have key points at which you can change course if necessary.

Boasts that everyone is "staying away" were premature, as shown by late-week tie ups and the fact that the designated alternated became a real mess only sporadically. Thursday was bad, for example, early morning on Stony and Cornell--the #170 bus had to turn around at 6:40, go north on Stony, east on 57th, south on Hyde Park and 57th Drive to pick up the increasing crowd catching the bus at 57th and Stony. Note also that the usual backup points at 95th, Skyway, and 67th (where lanes drop down to two) as well as by Jackson Park Hospital and at 71st were heavily impacted on Stony. Also Cornell--59th, 57th/Lake Shore Drive intersection. And there are times in the morning when northbound Lake Shore Drive back up start at 43rd. There is always a mess southbound from about 49th to 57th. Some say congestion is up on 53rd, presumably more people doing the Hyde Park cut-through, east-west as well as north-south. A major help on Stony has been the flag persons (crossing guards for cars).

CTA reported an increase in ridership up to 15%. More articulated buses have been added on our express routes, including on the #6. More park and ride people have been seen parking on city streets near 59th/57th and Stony. Many have found Cottage Grove and King, Southwest Highway better alternates.

Predicted but uncertain yet are impacts on businesses, especially those not having their own parking lots, on deliveries, and on UC/UC Hospitals access (especially from the south. (And yes, fool trucks have been seen on Cornell and Lake Shore Drive!) One suggestion to those coming to the University from downtown or beyond rush hours is to take the new #192. Campus and Museum maps have been updated.

Here's the skinny:

Bridge repairs and overlay- March 31 mid-spring Ramp form I 55 outbound to Ryan inbound closed, (alt.-continue to Damen, trucks to Pulaski)
Mid-spring to early sum. ramp from I55 inbound to Ryan inbound closed, (alt.- King, turn around via I-55)
Mid-late summer-ramp from Ryan inbound to I55 closed (alt.-inbound 55, exit at king, turn around to outbound I55).

Lane reconstruction 31st to 71st. March 32-early fall al express. Early-late fall 1 expr. opens. Winter all open. Early spring to late fall 2007 locals closed.

Ramp closings. 71, 75, 76, 79, 83, 87, 95. Entrance and exit ramps south of 71st periodically close non-consecutively. Visit danryanexpressway.com.

Lane reconstruction/addition- 71st to I 57. (5th lane added each direction): March 31-early summer- inner lane closed
Late summer to late fall- outer closed
Spring to early summer 2007- old 2 outer lanes closed, new lane on outside open
Summer to late fall 2007- 2 inner lanes closed, 3 outer lanes open

What's better? base 3 1/2 times as thick at 21." New sub-base 3", new asphalt sub-base 6", 14 rather than 10" thick, with rebar and surface grooves. No asphalt overtop.

Alternatives besides alt. roads
Carpool, vanpool--lots of companies and PACE can organize this, can be formal or informal- see rideshare number below
CTA Red Line, Green Line (latter 3:30 am-1:25 am), Orange Line (3:55 am-1:19 am)
Metra Rock Island, Electric, South Shore Line

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Contacts, advocacy groups, Time saving tips:

Information number: 1 800 416-4066 or 877 411-IDOT

Send comments to IDOT Sec. Timothy W. Martin, Illinois Transportation Secretary, 310 S. Michigan Ave, 16th fl, 60604.

Info. on proposed changes incl. weekly briefings: www.dot.state.il.us and www.danryanexpressway.com. www.avoidtheryan.com.

Ride share: www.sharethedrive.org or 3312 793-3456.

DBE certification 312 939-1100, Supportive Services 217 557-4793. A seminar is being held now for contractors for the subsidiary 59th/Halsted project. http://dot.state.il.us/sbe/dbeprogram.html, http://www.danryanexpressway.com/press/DanRyanContracts-DBEAwardedContracts.pdf, http://osdbuweb.dot.gov/index.html, http://www.dot.il.gov/sbe/dbeprogram.html.

The Committee to Save the Dan Ryan, 773 684-8780, is chief organizer of the Taskforce.
Co-chairs: Bernard Loyd (Bronzeville Comm. Dev. Partnership), Rev. Walter Turner.
Or contact Ken Smith, 773 373-3015. Cecilia Butler can be reached at WECAN (Woodlawn East Community and Neighbors). Joseph Watkins is a rep. for VOTE (Voice of the Exoffenders), which is also involved. Vincent Barnes, Rebirth of Englewood Community Dev. Corp. Pat Dowell, Committee to Save the Dan Ryan.

DBE certification 312 939-1100, Supportive Services 217 557-4793, http://dot.state.il.us/sbe/dbeprogram.html. Types of contracts available- concrete, steel, asphalt, trucking, fencing, traffic control, bridge work, lighting, drainage, electrical, landscaping, beautification... Up to $100 m or more is set aside, with additional amounts for training, Contractors and engineering consultants must be pre-qualified. Said to be simplified in a full-service facility. The field office facility is at 900 S. Des Plaines St., Chicago, IL 60607, 8-4:30 by appointment. Assistance with DBE certification, workshops on contracting opportunities, access to bidding documents, computer resource center on-site, staff. Many believe that the promises of participation have been betrayed, both in terms of input and benefit and in terms of minority jobs and participation--only said to be at the 5% level. Others disagree and point to the many small and disadvantaged businesses hired, with an overall IDOT goal of over 22%.

Five time-saving tips:

  1. Sign up for free weekly updates at www.danryanexpressway.com.
  2. Test-drive alternates
  3. Try public transit
  4. Ride share: www.sharethedrive.org or 3312 793-3456.
  5. Ask employer for flex time.

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Mainline construction starts March 31 2006 and runs through 2007

At the same time as major overhaul is starting on the Kingery and Borman and continuing on the Bishop Ford, the Ryan from north of the Ford to about the Stevenson goes into full gear. 320,000 drives a day will be disrupted when express lanes close both ways and, after they are rebuilt, the local lanes are replaced. So, the mess of the ramp, bridge, and service roads was just a foretaste. Many think the rerouting emphasis should have been on the wider roads to the west rather than equally on Stony Island, Cornell/57th, and Lake Shore Drive to the east, but given that Stony runs directly into the Skyway and the Ford/I57, to ignore the obvious would be foolhardy.

Yet, Alderman Hairston says that foolhardy is exactly what IDOT has been in preparing signal coordination and roadways in the Ashland Avenue Corridor but not the Stony/Cornell Corridor. She is circulating a petition on the matter: 773 324-5555.

IDOT says the option of choice is to AVOID the Ryan altogether.

So what should we expect now?

Hot spots of construction include the Lafayette and State work in the 98thSt. vicinity/

 

On the Dan Ryan reconstruction

Construction by late winter shifts from ramp reconstruction and new roadway on the southern end to rebuilding first the express lanes (March-August 2006), then the locals (through summer 2007). Some of this traffic will go to the Drive and Stony Island, with no provision to date to keep the latter up. The Ryan carries 300,000 vehicles a day, with a high accident rate. A lane is being added in each direction and much is being reconfigured including which cross streets have ramps and the service roads. Attempts are being made to incorporate new amenities.

The whole project has been controversial for the adjacent communities and businesses that will be affected by changes in ramp locations. In October 2005 upheld the project's bold minority set asides (Gov. Blagojevich's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) while many charge that the minority presence has been to a significant degree a fraud.

 

The Modified Plan (Preferred Alternative).Project cost now ballooned to over $600 million.

Pass-overs at 31st, 333rd, 35th, Pershing, Root (now to be kept), 43rd, 47th, 51st, Garfield, 59th, 63rd 67th, Vincennes, 71st, 75th, 76th, 73rd, 87th, 91st, 95th.

Interchanges at 3st, 35th, Pershing, 43rd, 47th (to become full), Garfield, 59th (becomes partial), 63rd (partial), Skyway, 67th (partial), 71st, 75th/76th, 79th, 83rd (partial), 87th, 95th (partial).

Ramps removed- only 51st 4all, 69th sb exit/nb entrance

Ramps added- 47th sb entrance/nb exit.

(Both will affect neighborhoods directly to east including Hyde Park/Kenwood, e.g. requiring trucks to go north to 47th or south to 63rd to get on the Ryan.) (Reinstated to present status: 43rd, half 59th, 76th.

Lane additions and weave zones will require property acquisition.

IDOT's prospectus:

Need: one of business, most dangerous. Goal: reduce accidents and improve commute times.

Design: Add a lane each way 31st to I-57, reconfigure the Skyway interchange, rebuild Wells and Wentworth 47th to 63rd, CTA improvements, landscaping.

Schedule.
Spring 04 -ramps 79th to 83rd, storm sewers and collectors 67th to 95th, water main replacements, 67th bridge, ramps 67th to 71st, Wentworth overpass, Wells St., Skyway interchange bridges , locals Wentworth to 67th.
Summer- lighting and detector looks 31st to I57, 57th bridge and frontage, walls and ramps 47th to 59th.
Fall- ramps 31st to 39th, 91st bridge, water mains 75th to I 57.
Spring 05- frontage-walls-ramps 59th to 63rd, signal synch, I-57 bridge/tunnel, walls and ramps 71st to I 57 and 71st to 75th, continuing on some of previous.
Summer- remainder of lighting and surveillance, Root St. overpass
Spring 06- express lanes 31st to 71st, outside two lanes 71st to I-57, bridge joint repair 15th- 28th
Spring 07- local lanes 31st to Wentworth, various ramps. North and south inside three lanes 71st-I-57
Fall 07- Roadway work completed
Spring 08- landscape and finishes

Dan Ryan Improvement map. CDOT

 

In February 2004 IDOT offered to close only 6 rather than 12 ramps from 43rd to 76th. To remain open after all: 43rd sb entrance, nb exit; 59th sb entrance, nb exit; 76th sb entrance, nb exit. To be closed: 51st all, 59th sb exit, nb entr. Regaining the sb ramp at 59th is an important gain for Hyde Park, but the remaining one is also important both for UC/UCH deliveries, visitors and staff and for local businesses. Of perhaps greater importance to HP-K and especially the neighborhoods to the west is 51st.

IDOT Secretary Tim Martin apologized in an open letter for partial lack of community involvement, but urged the Task Force of community organizations to sign on by the start of March so IDOT can meet April deadlines. Without approval, demolition of 58 homes and buildings and acquisition of 45 vacant parcels will be needed to accommodate reconfiguration, creating a delay of three or more years and risking funding uncertainties.

Reactions (Sun-Times Feb. 16, 2004): Pat Dowell, Committee to Save the Dan Ryan: "They planned this without us, now people are focusing on their plan. I don't think it's unusual that people would want to take more time to look at it. I don't think it can be done in two weeks." Vincent Barnes, Rebirth of Englewood Community Dev. Corp. "In effect, they're somewhat saying we have to either take it or leave it, and that's unfortunate. I understand that IDOT is taking a position, and oftentimes positions are taken to move things along...The hope is the task force can agree on a process that benefits (both motorists and the neighborhood)."

The March 21 Chicago Sun-Times and March 24 Hyde Park Citizen report that opposers are still insisting on keeping the 51st Street ramps open and also tying the issue to local and minority jobs and contracts share. The Taskforce's 10 Recommendations is summarized below.

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Background:

December 21 IDOT announced it is revising the plans for closure of 12 ramps in response to public criticism.

While not due to start until 2005, nearby neighborhood activists and residents and more distant interested businesses and institutions fumed that 43rd, 51st, and 59th interchanges would be entirely or partially lost in order to improve approaches to and merges from the Skyway (serving mainly suburbanites?), add a local lane, and to conform to federal standards of minimum distance of one mile between interchanges on this most dangerous of Chicago expressways. The Ryan is slated under IllinoisFIRST and the Federal Highway Administration for a $430 m reconstruction.

IDOT originally proposed to permanently close 12 of 18 entrance and exit ramps. 47th would, however, be upgraded into a full interchange. There is also objection to lack of community involvement in planning, including objection by IIT. This is in sharp contrast to the long series of quasi-open South Lake Shore Drive Study Group discussions punctuated by at least three public hearings. Large meetings were quickly set up late for the Ryan after aldermen (particularly Ald. Arenda Troutman, 20th) kicked up a real fuss (including to their Congressmen) and brought in a large coalition of organizations and activists. (Other aldermen and institutions, including later IIT and churches did not protest, especially after local accommodations and promises of area jobs were added to the plans.)

This fight heated up as the HPKCC Board, U of C/UC Hosps., KOCO (which has resolved against the changes), Woodlawn and Englewood groups, Campaign for Better Transit, others look at likely real access problems for business deliveries, customers and residents and increased congestion on 55th, Cottage, and King. Many businesses depend on trucks making it through in timely fashion.

At the one of the large meetings, such as that in mid-November at Center for Inner City Studies, IDOT offered only minor adjustments and amenities. Tim Martin, head of IDOT, said they are holding back until they have something that will gain acceptance... Groups in the area west of Washington Park hold their own meetings but feel they are being left in the dark. Finally, IDOT said it would step back and take a second look in light of strong community and aldermanic opposition to closure of so many ramps. What followed in February was the cutback of closures from 12 to 6 ramps, plea for quick agreement, and the Taskforce's 10 Recommendations response.

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Dan Ryan Taskforce Presents 10 Recommendations to IDOT

Hyde Park Citizen, March 24, 2004 by Lesley R. Chinn

The Dan Ryan Taskforce has submitted 10 recommendations to the Illinois Department of Transportation (ICOT) regarding the $600 million reconstruction project. The taskforce announced its recommendations at a press conference held last Friday at the Chicago Urban League, 4510 S. Michigan.

"The Dan Ryan Taskforce has worked day and night the past two months to access this plan," said Bernard Loyd, a Taskforce co-chair. "We believe that we have serious, community-based recommendation[s] for IDOTD and the Dan Ryan."

The Taskforce's 10 recommendations to IDOT include:

The Taskforce's plan requires a response form IDOT no later than April 2, Loyd said. The Taskforce also voted for a moratorium on "the letting of contracts interim." "If a positive response is not obtained, IDOT cannot go forward with its plans as articulated to us," Loyd said.

Morreale said the process takes time. "The list is really, really detailed," she said, adding that IDOT is working under the federal governments's guidelines."We've been working very closely with (the Taskforce) to provide information in a timely manner. It takes some time and it's part of the process,"Morreale continued. "We're confident that it'll move forward as planned, and everyone will be happy."

Robert starks, chairman of the Taskforce's budget subcommittee, said the group is prepared to shutdown andy construction on the dan Ryan if its demands are not met......

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IDOT description form Spring 2005 On the Move

Rationale

Need or desire to

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