Lincoln Square residents can expect a reopening of Lincoln Avenue between Leland and Eastwood in just a few weeks, with a hopeful target date of August 11th, contingent on favorable weather conditions.
The thoroughfare has been closed to traffic since June due to renovation projects supporting the Lincoln Square Master Plan established in 2019.
As part of this construction initiative, Leland Avenue has been temporarily made a one-way westbound street between Western and Lincoln, causing inconvenience for local residents and businesses.
Josh Mark, chief of staff for Ald. Matt Martin (47th), confirmed that crews plan to pour high early strength concrete, which allows for a much quicker curing time.
“With this type of concrete, we can reopen the intersection within three days as opposed to the typical 14 days required for other formulations,” Mark explained.
Initially, the road will be accessible for pedestrians, with vehicle access following shortly after.
Additionally, Ald. Martin’s office is pushing for the quick completion of sidewalk installations on the west side of Lincoln Avenue, adjacent to Lincoln Square Athletic Club at 4662 N. Lincoln Ave.
The goal is to have these sidewalks finished within the next three weeks.
“We aim to reopen sidewalks extending as far north as the bend where Lincoln becomes Leland,” Mark stated.
Martin’s office has also emphasized the urgency to complete sidewalk work on Western Avenue, particularly north of the Brown Line station.
However, no specific timeline has been provided for the reopening of the public parking lot just south of Leland Avenue, which has also been affected by the ongoing construction.
For over two years, construction in and around Lincoln Square has aimed to enhance both infrastructure and aesthetics, vital for supporting local businesses and improving general accessibility.
Mark acknowledged the frustrations felt by constituents over pedestrian access restrictions, stating, “We recognize this disruption has been challenging, especially for small businesses.”
In response to these challenges, Ald. Martin’s office has actively engaged with various city departments and utilities to minimize disruptions associated with this extensive project.
The current phase encompasses an array of improvements, including roadwork, transit upgrades, bike and pedestrian infrastructure changes, and the establishment of a new public plaza.
An earlier construction-related road closure in the 4700 block of North Lincoln Avenue occurred between April 21 and May 12, yielding both positive feedback from some community members and frustrations from local businesses, offering insights into the impacts of pedestrian-only streets.
During the developments, crews discovered remnants of a historic streetcar system, consisting of metal tracks and wooden blocks, hidden beneath layers of asphalt on Lincoln Avenue.
Steve Mascheri, CTA vice president of capital construction, indicated that the ongoing phase is anticipated to progress throughout the remainder of the year.
“This project is on track for completion in the fall. While we still have a distance to go, the reopening of sidewalks is exciting news,” Mark expressed.
For those wanting more information surrounding the construction efforts, the Chicago Department of Transportation offers an interactive ChiStreetWork map.
image source from：blockclubchicago
