State Street is going through a construction effort in order to make the sidewalks more accessible for those with disabilities.
The City of Chicago should be commended for its recent efforts to improve the sidewalks on State Street, a major retailing center for the City. However, in creating sidewalk ramps and warning devices for those with impaired vision, we are going to have to go through some temporary pain.
Here is a recent release from the Mayor’s Office for people with disabilities. Be patient while the construction is being done, knowing that not only will this help make life easier for those with differing abilities, but it will also help the retailers on State Street through increased pedestrian traffic and increased revenues as well.
Message from the Chicago Department of Transportation:
STATE STREET ADA SIDEWALK WORK - LAKE STREET TO VAN BUREN STREET
Starting in late September, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin a project to improve the sidewalks along State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. The work entails the installation of sidewalk corners that meet the standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The new corners will feature wheelchair-accessible ramps and detectible warning surfaces for the visually impaired. The work also entails repaving the intersection of each cross street along State Street.
Pedestrian Impacts
During construction all sidewalks will remain open. Pedestrians will be directed to temporary sidewalks in areas where work is occurring.
Traffic Impacts
In construction areas, one lane of traffic will be closed. All intersections will remain open to traffic in all directions. Some left turns from State Street will be temporarily prohibited.
Building Impacts
Access will be maintained to all buildings along State Street.
CTA Impacts
Some CTA bus stops will be temporarily relocated nearby. Red Line subway access is not affected.
PROJECT SCHEDULE
Late September to Mid-November: Van Buren to Adams
Mid-October to late November: Monroe to Lake
All work is scheduled to be complete by the end of November, weather permitting.
For more information, call (312) 744-3600, e-mail cdotnews@cityofchicago.org or visit www.cityofchicago.org/transportation
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Catherine Marsden
Catherine Marsden's daughter Helen was born with cerebral palsey. In
2005, during graduate work in Marketing Communications, Catherine
created Accessible Chicago, an online travel resource guide for those
with physical disabilities. Although her daughter Helen died in April,
2007, Catherine still manages Accessible Chicago in her memory (http://www.accessiblechicago.
Comments
"Be patient while the construction is being done, knowing that not only will this help make life easier for those with differing abilities," I find it interesting that they're doing this right before the holiday shopping season.
The writer's information was largely taken from a press release from the City. But I do take your point. Remember Chicago's severe winters: cement cannot be laid much longer -- as we approach freezing temperatures, the construction season ends.
More interesting is to consider the project vis-a-vis the Olympics bid.
As usual City politics and economics (not our lawsuit) are the more likely controlling factors.
I just hope the workers are more careful about protecting people with little or no vision from falling than in some past construction sites.
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