Status: In progress

Lawrence Avenue Streetscape

Project type: Streets, Streetscape

Project Summary

Newly completed pedestrian island on Lawrence Ave
Newly completed pedestrian island on Lawrence Avenue

The Lawrence Ave streetscape project aims to improve safety for all users, upgrade aging infrastructure, create a livable street, increase walkability, and support economic development. The second phase of the Lawrence Avenue streetscape project will extend the streetscape from Western to the Chicago River and will build upon the success of the first section of the Lawrence Avenue streetscape.

Project Overview

  • Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
  • Zip Code: 60625
  • Scope and boundaries: Lawrence Avenue from the Chicago River to Western Avenue
  • Timeline: Fall 2023-Summer 2024
  • Project Website

Status: In progress

Lawrence Avenue Streetscape

Lawrence Avenue between the Chicago River and Western Avenue will be improved as the City renovates the street with infrastructure and streetscape improvements. The project will consist of numerous improvements, including, new wider sidewalks with curb extensions, new street lighting, full-width roadway resurfacing, community identifiers, and new street trees.

Project Goals

  • Improve pedestrian safety
  • Increase send of neighborhood identity
  • Provide low-stress connections to bike network for cyclists

Press & Media

Rendering of the Lawrence Ave streetscape.
Detail of proposed streetscape improvements to Lawrence Ave

Design Exhibits

Project Features

  • New wider sidewalks and parkway pavers
  • New curb and gutter
  • New street trees
  • Full width roadway resurfacing
  • Pedestrian refuge island at Lawrence Ave and
    Francisco Ave along with a contraflow bike lane
    along Francisco Ave to create a better and safer
    connection to the North Shore Channel Trail
  • New street lighting
  • Community identifiers and site furnishings
  • New curb extension and crosswalks
  • Drainage improvements

Project Timeline

  • Bidding: Completed
  • Construction: Spring 2023-Summer 2024
  • Estimated Completion: Summer 2024

Construction Updates

Contractors are nearing the finish line on Lawrence Ave Streetscape! As of May 31st, 2024, brick pavers and new trash bins and bike racks have been installed, as has the majority of the landscaping. Here is some of the remaining work that will be taking place over the next few weeks:

  • Install benches
  • Crosswalk surfacing
  • Traffic signal heads and pedestrian heads
  • Banner arms, bases, and identifiers on light poles

See the 40th Ward Newsletter or attend one of the upcoming Community Meetings for more updates!

Community Meetings

Weekly project meetings are held every Thursday at 9:30 am via Teams.

Click here to join.

Archived Public Meetings

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