Planning to improve transportation on, around campus

An online survey through Jan. 31 lets the community point out transportation problems.

Ed. note: deadline for the project survey was extended to Feb. 17.

Over the next 12 months, UIC will make plans to improve transportation safety and convenience on and around campus.

As part of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s comprehensive regional plan, GO TO 2040, UIC is working with the planning agency and the Active Transportation Alliance to increase efficiency and improve infrastructure for the thousands who move through campus daily.

The UIC Office of Sustainability and Campus Master Plan Implementation Committee are among those involved in the project.

“We thought it would be a great opportunity to work with the campus and engage with the students,” said Lindsay Bayley, the agency’s senior planner.

UIC’s 2010 Master Plan was the starting point for the project, which will unfold in four phases.

The project is nearing the end of its first phase — an existing conditions report, detailing problem areas around campus, with user input through an online survey. 

“We’ve been building off several other plans, such as the Chicago Streets for Cycling Plan 2020, to make sure we’re not duplicating things and have the most comprehensive overview,” Bayley said.

The online public survey, which ends Feb. 17, allows users to detail travel priorities, mention desired improvements and leave comments.

So far, Bayley said, Harrison Street and Racine Avenue are among the most-cited problem areas, along with unsafe road conditions and bike lanes on Taylor Street, pedestrian safety in crossing Harrison and general issues with the CTA’s UIC-Halsted Blue Line stop.

“Hopefully, if they can implement these, transit becomes the first choice, not the last resort,” Bayley said.

Mapping activity workshops will be held on campus next month for those interested in contributing to the plan.

Two public workshops for the plan will be held on campus Feb. 12, 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Student Center West and 6:30 to 8 p.m., Cardinal Room, Student Center East.

“I think it’s interesting to hear people come together, see what common issues they find, and make changes to make it better,” said Bayley.