TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Eric J. Gallt, City Traffic Engineer
DATE: October 7, 2014
SUBJECT:
Resolution Approving a Professional Engineering Services Agreement with HR Green Inc. for the Lake Street and River Street Two Way Conversion
PURPOSE:
To obtain Council approval to move forward with the phase 2 engineering of the two way conversion of River street and Lake Street from Gale street to New York Street.
BACKGROUND:
As part of the ongoing effort of the City to convert existing one way streets to two way streets, staff is bringing forward the phase 2 engineering of the third phase of the conversion. The first phase was completed in conjunction with the Downer Place bridge reconstruction and included both Downer Place and Benton Street from Broadway to Lake Street. The first phase has been very well received. The second phase includes the conversion of both New York Street and Galena Boulevard from Broadway east to Smith Street and Ohio Street respectively. The second phase has been awarded for construction and will be complete in Summer 2015. The third phase as currently proposed will convert both Lake Street and River Street form Gale Street to New York Street and include a jurisdictional transfer of River Street from IDOT to the City.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has been working for over a year with IDOT to establish scope and understanding of the potential conversion of both Lake Street and River Street to two way operations. IDOT has shown a willingness to work with the City on the conversion without requiring significant right of way acquisition and roadway reconstruction.
The current concept plan conditionally approved by IDOT includes two southbound lanes and one northbound lane on Lake Street. This configuration will require the removal of parking throughout the corridor. The on-street parking is fairly limited and in almost all cases complimentary public parking is available within a half block. River Street would ...
Click here for full text