The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Madison Street improvements to enhance pedestrian experience and safety

A major construction project that will convert Madison Street into three lanes from Harlem Avenue to Austin Boulevard and incorporate a range of pedestrian-friendly features is set to begin in April and wrap up in November.

Once completed, walking along and crossing Madison Street should not only be more pleasant, but also much safer as the north-south crossings are shortened, pedestrian visibility improved and vehicle speeds reduced.

Commonly referred to as a road diet, the project will reduce the roadway to one lane in each direction, with a shared center lane for turns. The new configuration is projected to reduce average vehicle speeds to 28 miles per hour from the current 37 miles per hour.

Pedestrian-friendly features will include accessible ramps, marked crosswalks, corner curb bump-outs to reduce distances at crossings, mid-street pedestrian refuges and enhanced crossing signals.

In addition to these pedestrian safety features, the project also will include additional parking spaces, marked bicycle lanes and posted public transit bus stops.

Major infrastructure improvements also are part of the project, including resurfacing and repairs to sidewalks, curbs and gutters.

The project includes vital, below-ground infrastructure as well. A new sewer will be installed between Oak Park and Euclid avenues and another 4,500 feet of sewer extensively rehabilitated using a trenchless lining process. The sewers under Madison Street range in diameter from 12 inches to 36 inches.

Madison Street will remain open during construction, officials say, including access to all businesses, drive-thru services and parking lots.

Safe walking routes also will be maintained along Madison Street throughout the project.

To learn more about the project and read construction updates, visit the dedicated project website www.madisonstreetconstruction.com.