CHICAGO — A $3.8 million streetscape project will upgrade a four-block stretch of Morgan Street from 31st to 35th streets, according to a news release from the Office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Emanuel, Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11th) and the Chicago Department of Transportation on Monday announced the project, which will bring new lighting, landscaping and other amenities designed to encourage retail traffic and increase pedestrian safety.
“This streetscape project will help to revitalize the Morgan Street corridor and encourage the growth of new businesses,” Thompson said in a news release. “I am pleased to reinvest city funds into our neighborhood.”
The project was planned and designed by the city and community representatives, and funded mostly through tax increment financing, according to the news release. Under Emanuel’s "Building a New Chicago" program, the city has completed 38 streetscape projects in neighborhoods across Chicago.
“This type of investment not only improves the neighborhood’s infrastructure but improves quality of life and encourages economic growth,” Emanuel said. “With new lighting, landscaping widened sidewalks and clearly marked intersections, we are making the neighborhood safer and more inviting for everyone who lives and shops along Morgan Street.”
The project's highlights include: street resurfacing; pedestrian safety improvements; pedestrian bumpouts to shorten crossing distances; crosswalks at new locations and improvements to existing crosswalks; bicycle racks; new energy-efficient street lights; curb and gutter repair; filling of sidewalk vaults; decorative pavers; new trees and grates and trash receptacles.
“The Morgan Street streetscape project demonstrates [the city's] commitment to working with community stakeholders and delivering investments that make it safer and easier for people to live and do business in neighborhoods all across Chicago,” City Transportation Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld said.
Morgan Street will remain open to motorists and pedestrians, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained. Parking will not be allowed in the area of active construction and there will be periodic parking restrictions on some side streets.
