On Friday, U. S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) announced that he secured $28 million for key Chicago transportation projects in the 5th Congressional District from the Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users, a multibillion dollar transportation bill. The bill also included $245.5 million for construction and renovations to Chicago's brown line.
"Like no other city in the world, Chicago knows that with growth's benefits, comes growth's burdens," said Emanuel. "This funding will provide our city with the infrastructure we need to grow and thrive. With this $28 million, cherished neighborhoods and aging streets and bridges will see new pavement, new modern signals and street lights and refurbished streetscapes and updated bridges."
Working closely with other members of the Illinois delegation, Emanuel secured $245.5 million for the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) rehabilitation and expansion of the Brown Line. The Brown Line serves a large portion of the Fifth Congressional District, as well as downtown and the North Side of Chicago.
"For 100 years the el has run through the heart of the city's North Side, serving neighborhoods and businesses. But many of its lines are showing its age," said Emanuel. "With this funding we're going to make major progress towards refurbishing the Brown Line's nine miles and 19 stations. We're going to give its 60,000 riders the comfortable and speedy ride they deserve."
The following are some of the projects to be funded:
* Fullerton Avenue Bridge
Emanuel secured $3.84 million for the replacement of the Fullerton Avenue bridge over the Lincoln Park Lagoon. The funding will also pay for the reconstruction of the pedestrian walkway running along Fullerton.
* West Ridge Nature Preserve
The amount of $2.8 million will be invested in the creation of a new nature preserve and park. This money will be used in conjunction with contributions from the City and State to purchase unused land from Rosehill Cemetery in order to create the West Ridge Nature Preserve. This funding will help create bike paths, walking trails and other recreational activities.
* Six Corners and Milwaukee Avenue Reconstruction
$13.6 million will be used for the reconstruction of Six Corners and Milwaukee Avenue. The reconstruction will include resurfacing, new sidewalks, lighting, landscaped elements and other infrastructure upgrades at the congested Six Corners intersection.
* Foster and Kedzie Streetscape
$1.6 million is directed to a "streetscape" for Foster Avenue from North Spaulding to the North Shore Channel. In recent years, the City of Chicago has received high rates of return on their investments in "streetscape" projects. Replacing sidewalks and gutters, improving lighting, and landscaping medians and walkways helps restore aging streets and creates vibrant social and economic corridors. In nearly every instance, property values have increased and local merchants have witnessed more business.
* Franklin Park Grand Avenue Underpass
The final $928,000 to finish construction of the Grand Avenue Underpass has been secured. Grand Avenue runs through Franklin Park and into Chicago's central business district. On a typical day, over 4,000 vehicles are delayed because of traffic. By separating at-grade rail crossings from Grand Avenue, this project would reduce congestion and improve safety for the more than 28,000 motorists who use it every day.
* Irving Park Bridge
Emanuel secured $3.2 million to reconstruct the Irving Park Road bridge over the Chicago River. Irving Park Road is part of the National Highway System, and the road is a major artery for the North Side of Chicago. Replacing this old bridge will reduce congestion and increase safety for motorists and pedestrians.
* Elston Avenue Bridge Deck Overlay
Elston Avenue from Milwaukee to Pulaski Road serves as an alternate route to Interstate 90/94 and connects many marked routes to downtown Chicago. Funds of $1.6 million will resurface and rebuild Elston Avenue from Milwaukee Avenue to Pulaski Road as it passes over Interstate 94. |
