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A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Invest in Cook Grant Application for the 2027 Chicago Avenue Safety Improvement Project
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Introduction
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The Cook County Department of Highways recently announced a call for applications for their Invest in Cook grants. The Engineering Division is currently working on the design of the Chicago Avenue Safety Improvement Project generally from Kenilworth to Ridgeland as identified in the Vision Zero Plan and staff recommends submitting a grant application to help fund construction of the project in 2027.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways recently announced $8.5 million in transportation funds for Invest in Cook grants to help cover the cost of planning and feasibility studies, engineering, and construction associated with improvements consistent with the County's Long-Range Transportation Plan. Grant applications are due on March 20, 2026, with an anticipated award notice this summer.
The Engineering Division will be overseeing the consultant-led design of a safety improvement project on Chicago Avenue. Chicago Avenue was identified as a High Injury Network as part of the Vision Zero Plan (VZP). The VZP and the Bike Plan call for safety improvements on Chicago Avenue, including the installation of protected bike lanes to reduce the roadway width and slow cars while also improving pedestrian and bicycle safety. The installation of protected bike lanes will require the removal of parking on one side of the street, and there will be public engagement associated with the design of the project later this year. The VZP also identifies intersection improvements at the Kenilworth intersection to improve pedestrian safety. The final design for any protected bike lanes and any additional safety improvements will be devel...
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