Chicago Extends Protected Bike Lanes on Belmont Avenue Through Avondale

The Chicago Department of Transportation has extended Belmont Avenue’s protected bike lanes west from Kimball toward Milwaukee as part of a Complete Streets project in Avondale. This work follows the completion of an earlier segment between Kimball and Western by fall 2023, with the westward extension to Milwaukee slated to begin in summer 2024 and finish by fall.

Sequence of Belmont Avenue Improvements

The Belmont improvements include curb-protected bike lanes, pedestrian bump-outs, new crosswalks, curb ramps, sidewalk extensions, floating bus stops, and a dedicated or improved bus lane. These features aim to make walking, biking, and transit safer along the corridor. The project builds directly on the segment finished by fall 2023, creating a longer stretch of protected infrastructure through Avondale.

Community Input Shapes Planning

The project was developed with community input gathered through the Avondale Neighborhood Association. Neighbors were asked to weigh in on related planning efforts for the Belmont Triangle site. City planning for the Belmont Triangle near Belmont, Milwaukee, and Pulaski has also involved a community visioning process aimed at redevelopment of the vacant site into a mixed-use hub.

How the Current Phase Developed

Earlier phases of protected bike lanes and curb extensions on Belmont had been installed in stages, with the Kimball to Western portion already in place by fall 2023. The extension westward continues that approach, incorporating the same suite of safety measures. The Avondale Neighborhood Association served as the channel for gathering resident feedback during both the bike lane work and the separate Belmont Triangle visioning process.

Residents can review details of the ongoing Complete Streets efforts through the Chicago Department of Transportation and participate in future input sessions coordinated by the Avondale Neighborhood Association. The focus remains on connecting the existing infrastructure with additional safety elements along Belmont Avenue.