The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Tom Carney and 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico joined South Chicago community leaders today to celebrate the completion of the first section of a major streetscape improvement project along Commercial Avenue, between South Chicago Avenue and 90th Street. The project enhances traffic safety, upgrades critical infrastructure, and creates a more vibrant, walking corridor that supports local businesses and strengthens the area’s economic activity. 

"Upgrading streetscapes like Commercial Avenue is key to reactivating neighborhood corridors across Chicago," said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. "This project delivers critical infrastructure improvements while reflecting the rich history and culture of South Chicago, creating a vibrant, livable corridor that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike." 

“Commercial Avenue has always been a cornerstone of South Chicago. These improvements not only address critical infrastructure needs but also reflect the pride and resilience of our community,” said 10^th Ward Alderman Peter Chico.  

Key improvements along Commercial Avenue include: 

• New sidewalks, parkway pavers, lighting, and street trees to create a more vibrant, inviting corridor.  

• Roadway geometry and intersection improvements to create shorter crossings for pedestrians and enhance traffic safety. 

• Full-width roadway resurfacing, drainage improvements, and new curb and gutter to address longstanding infrastructure needs.  

• Bus bulbs that allow buses to pick up and drop off passengers without leaving the travel lane, which helps save time for transit riders.   

• Raised bike lanes to enhance safety for people bicycling. 

• Light pole identifiers and sidewalk plaques celebrating the history and culture of the South Chicago community. 

• Upgraded traffic signals, including Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), which help people who are blind or have low vision cross the street. 

These improvements were shaped by South Chicago’s 2016 Commercial Avenue Revitalization Plan as well as an extensive community engagement process that gathered input not only on transportation needs but also on design themes and details that reflect the identity and aspirations of the South Chicago community. The light pole identifiers draw inspiration from key elements of the neighborhood’s past, present, and future, while sidewalk plaques commemorate the rich history of the steel mills that once defined the area. 

Construction of Section 2 of the streetscape project, between 90th and 87th Street, will begin 2025, ensuring the continuation of these transformative improvements along the corridor.