WEST TOWN, CHICAGO — After more than three years of delays and neighborhood debate, portions of Wood Street in West Town and Wicker Park will soon be converted into southbound one-way roads as part of an infrastructure overhaul that includes resurfacing, curb improvements, and limited bike infrastructure upgrades.
The move comes years after a controversial protected bike lane plan was approved by residents but later scrapped due to mixed reactions and political reshuffling.
From Bike Lanes To One-Ways: A Long Road To Compromise
In 2021, residents of the 1st Ward approved a proposal via participatory budgeting to install protected bike lanes along Wood Street — a plan that would have required making it a northbound one-way street from Grand Avenue to Ellen Street.
However, the proposal met intense community backlash, particularly from drivers concerned about limited turn access and a stretch of three consecutive northbound one-way streets. Despite early approval, the plan stalled.
In July 2023, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) presented a compromise: ditch the bike lanes and instead install traffic diverters to reduce thru-traffic. That plan, too, was ultimately dropped.
What’s Changing Now
Instead, the city has opted for a scaled-down infrastructure update. According to CDOT spokesperson Erica Schroeder, the following changes are being implemented:
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Conversion of Wood Street to southbound one-way traffic in two key sections:
• From Cortez Street to Augusta Boulevard
• From Crystal Street to Division Street -
Contraflow bike lanes with painted markings and signage to allow two-way cycling
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Street resurfacing, new curb ramps, and ADA-compliant upgrades
These changes are fully funded through 1st Ward aldermanic menu funds, which are allocated annually for local infrastructure.
Aldermen Clash Over Scope Of Project
The original bike lane proposal, which would’ve extended south to Grand Avenue, has been shortened to end at Augusta Boulevard. Why? Because of aldermanic prerogative — a common Chicago practice that gives each alderperson final say over projects in their ward.
Following the 2023 redistricting, the section south of Augusta now belongs to Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), who opposed the changes after hearing “big time” concerns from constituents.
Villegas criticized CDOT’s piecemeal approach and the lack of community outreach, stating:
“Some people were for it, but the overwhelming majority were opposed. We just took the position representing our community.”
In contrast, Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st), who originally allocated $300,000 for the bike lane plan in 2022, said the revised changes reflect a better balance of community input.
“To lower non-residential traffic, to make it less of a car cut-through for the neighborhood, it will be a one-way southbound street. Two-way for bikes, one way for cars,” La Spata said.
Community Response & Long-Term Impacts
Wood Street is currently labeled a neighborhood greenway, intended for low-stress cycling. While this designation remains, many cycling advocates say the city missed an opportunity for bolder improvements.
Some community members welcomed the new safety features and smoother roadways. Others remain skeptical of the city’s broader strategy for building a connected bike grid.
La Spata acknowledged the criticisms and noted changes to how his office handles participatory budgeting, aiming to provide clearer feasibility insights in future ballots.
“Whether you’re a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even a driver, with the improvements we’re making, you are going to have a much safer, more comfortable Wood Street experience than you were before.”
Do you live near Wood Street? How do you feel about the new one-way conversions and the years of shifting plans? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
