CHICAGO — Milwaukee Avenue in the city’s Avondale neighborhood is getting a safety-focused makeover as the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) begins installing protected bike lanes, curb bumpouts, and pedestrian refuge islands between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street.
Concrete Upgrades Underway for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Work started at the end of May and is expected to be completed later this summer, according to CDOT spokesperson Erica Schroeder. Already, the corridor has been re-striped to accommodate the new layout, which shifts parking lanes away from the curb to make room for bike infrastructure.
Concrete-protected bike barriers are being added to separate cyclists from moving vehicles, while pedestrian refuge islands are being installed to shorten crossing distances and improve visibility.
“This project continues the city’s ongoing efforts to improve multi-modal safety and connect bikeways across neighborhoods,” Schroeder said.
East Side Work Nearing Completion, West Side Next
Construction has begun on the east side of Milwaukee Avenue, with crews now finishing asphalt restoration. Once completed, workers will shift operations to the west side of the corridor, continuing the installation of new street features.
These improvements will link directly to the protected bike lanes on Belmont Avenue, which are nearly finished. The Belmont upgrades also include floating bus stops and full street resurfacing, aimed at improving the experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users alike.
A Step Forward for Avondale’s Active Transit Goals
Residents in Avondale have long pushed for better safety measures on busy streets like Milwaukee Avenue, where cyclist and pedestrian traffic continues to increase. These upgrades are part of a larger effort by CDOT to create safer, connected routes throughout the city.
When finished, the corridor will feature:
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Protected bike lanes
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Concrete pedestrian refuge islands
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New street striping
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Floating bus stops (Belmont connector)
Do you live in Avondale or use Milwaukee Avenue often? Let us know how these changes are affecting your commute or neighborhood experience. Share your views with the ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com community in the comments.
