New one-way streets spark confusion in Chicago's West Loop
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The new one-way block of Green Street in the West Loop. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
In an effort to control traffic in the West Loop, the city has started making popular streets one-way.
Why it matters: This move is designed to lessen congestion in the dense neighborhood, but alders and residents are confused about the rollout.
Zoom in: In recent weeks, the Chicago Department of Transportation quietly redesignated several blocks of two-way streets into one ways. They include:
- Green Street: One-way southbound from Lake Street to Washington Blvd
- Ada Street: One-way northbound from Randolph Street to Fulton Street
- Racine Avenue: One-way southbound from Carroll Avenue to Washington Blvd
- May Street: One-way northbound from Washington Blvd to Carroll Avenue
The big picture: CDOT says these changes were made in consultation with the ward and a traffic study to improve safety flow and to deter frequent double parking as the area continues to grow and develop.
Yes, but: The streets in question are part of the 27th ward, which is represented by Ald. Walter "Red" Burnett, who wasn't involved.
What they're saying: "There was a broader conversation that happened prior to my tenure about reducing some of that traffic," Burnett, who took office in September, tells Axios. "I wasn't privy to those conversations between the stakeholders. Since I've been in office, it wasn't communicated when this was gonna happen."
- "The communication has not been stellar, and this is a critical time, especially with all of the different construction projects; it feels like they're directly attacking my community," Burnett added.
Zoom out: The streets in question also butt up against the 34th ward, which Ald. Bill Conway represents. His office says they were not consulted about the moves and were caught off guard.
Friction point: While these changes have gone into effect, residents have complained about how the new traffic patterns are treacherous and hard to navigate.
- Take Racine Avenue as an example. The popular thoroughfare turns into a northbound one-way at Randolph Street, but only for a block between Randolph and Washington, cutting off north-south traffic.
- Or Green Street, which is now a southbound one-way from Lake Street to Washington, cutting off traffic to places like Soho House, Trivoli Tavern and other hot spots.
The bottom line: While the new traffic flow may seem abrupt, it is already alleviating some stress along these congested stretches, but it may cause more problems than it solves.