How The Lincoln, Irving And Damen Crossing Could Be Changed

The intersection of Lincoln Avenue, Damen Avenue, and Irving Park Road in North Center is one of the busiest intersections in the city of Chicago. It is also one of the most dangerous, with 47 crashes reported since 2020.

In response to concerns from residents and visitors, Alderman Matt Martin (47th) has engaged the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to develop a plan to improve the safety of this intersection. CDOT has studied the intersection and designed two alternative concepts.

Concept 1

The first concept would eliminate left turns from Damen onto Irving Park Road. This would be the most significant change to the intersection, and it is intended to reduce the number of left-turn conflicts between drivers and other users, which are the most dangerous kind for pedestrians.

To compensate for the loss of left turns from Damen, CDOT would create a new left-turn lane from Lincoln Avenue onto Irving Park Road. This would allow drivers to continue to make left turns at the intersection, but it would do so in a safer way.

In addition to eliminating left turns from Damen, Concept 1 would also include the following safety improvements:

• Wider crosswalks
• Shorter crossing distances
• Pedestrian-activated signals
• Protected bike lanes
• Mir

Concept 2

The second concept would keep left turns from Damen onto Irving Park Road, but it would make a number of other safety improvements to the intersection, including:

• Wider crosswalks
• Shorter crossing distances
• Pedestrian-activated signals
• Protected bike lanes

CDOT is currently seeking feedback from the community on both concepts. Residents can share their thoughts by attending a community meeting or by completing a survey online.

Which concept is best?

Both concepts have their advantages and disadvantages. Concept 1 would be the most significant change to the intersection, but it would also be the most effective in reducing the number of left-turn conflicts. Concept 2 would be less disruptive to traffic patterns, but it would not be as effective in reducing the number of left-turn conflicts.

Ultimately, the decision of which concept to implement will be made by CDOT in consultation with Alderman Martin and the community.

Timeline

CDOT expects to make a final decision on the design of the intersection in early 2024. Construction is expected to begin in late 2024 and be completed in 2025.