On Wednesday March 19th, the 40th Ward and Traffic Safety Engineers from Chicago’s Department of Transportation joined the Bowmanville Community Organization (BCO) to discuss a traffic safety along Bowmanville Avenue!
Neighbors have been raising concerns about traffic safety on Bowmanville Avenue for several years now. In response to these concerns, the 40th Ward office submitted a traffic study request, and this year, the Department of Transportation (CDOT) presented a proposal for the intersections of Berwyn, Bowmanville and Western, as well as the intersection of Bowmanville, Leavitt, and Balmoral.
You can check out a recording of the meeting, or read on for a summary of the proposals!
Traffic Safety Proposal
Both proposals consist of adding posts or changing curb lines to “square off” the intersections to better clarify the right of way at the intersection and ensure drivers are not entering these intersections at high speeds.
Bowmanville/Berwyn/Western Intersection
In response to concerns about visibility, stop sign compliance, and high-speed turns at Bowmanville and Berwyn, CDOT conducted a review and developed an initial proposal for improvements.
The design features curb extensions that realign the intersection, ensuring the streets meet at a more traditional right angle. This adjustment encourages slower, safer turns, improves visibility, and enhances stop sign compliance. Additionally, the new layout shortens pedestrian crossing distances and creates opportunities for expanded low-level landscaping.
In addition to these changes, the 40th Ward office has also requested a pedestrian countdown timer at Berwyn and Western, to make it safer for pedestrians crossing Western. This project was the 2nd place winner in last year’s People’s Budget vote, and will be installed outside of this project.
Bowmanville/Balmoral Intersection
At the intersections of Bowmanville and Balmoral, CDOT recommends installing a paint and post bump-out on the southeast corner of the east leg of the intersection of Bowmanville and Balmoral. Bump-outs can be used to improve sight lines, adjust intersection alignments, reduce turning speeds, and narrow the unprotected crossing distance for pedestrians. The proposed paint and post bump-out is shown on the drawing above.
The goal of these proposals is to make both intersections safer and more intuitive for all road users—whether walking, biking, or driving. As the design is still in its early stages, we welcome neighbors to share their thoughts on these proposals! Submit your feedback at bit.ly/infrastructurefeedback by Wednesday, April 9th.