Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have completed accessibility upgrades at more than 100 bus stops citywide in 2024, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance transit accessibility. The upgrades, which are part of a broader initiative that began in 2022, aim to provide safer and more convenient access for people with disabilities and those using mobility devices.
Accessibility improvements are part of a data-driven approach, targeting high-need areas based on factors such as the Mobility and Economic Hardship Index, ramp deployment frequency, and high ridership locations.
Upgrades include adding concrete pads at bus stops with grassy parkways, as well as more extensive infrastructure work, such as curb adjustments at locations with narrow or uneven landings.
In addition to the bus stop improvements, CDOT and CTA have implemented 65 new in-lane bus stops and installed tactile signage at over 3,000 bus stops across the city. These measures are designed to improve both safety and efficiency for public transit users.
The ongoing improvements, which are part of a broader strategy to enhance transit access and safety throughout the city, include upgrades at 400 intersections, which feature pedestrian-friendly designs such as shortened crossings and raised crosswalks.
These projects present ongoing opportunities for construction industry professionals, including contractors, engineers, and suppliers, to engage in municipal infrastructure development and accessibility-focused initiatives.
