Fund the design and engineering phase of a project by the chicago department of transportation to modernize and improve wayfinding systems in the chicago pedway system

This federal Formula Grant award in the amount of $1,500,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (CFDA 20.507 Federal Transit Formula Grants program) will fund the design and engineering phase of a project by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to modernize and improve wayfinding systems in the Chicago Pedway System.

The grant will support preliminary engineering to develop a conceptual and strategic plan for comprehensive Pedway wayfinding, including background research and stakeholder outreach. This first phase will create the framework for the final design engineering in phase two, which will prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the detailed design and installation of the wayfinding system, with ongoing stakeholder involvement and technical support for necessary city agreements. The expected outcome is improved access and convenience for commuters traveling to transit stations in the Pedway network, which may also yield some ridership increases and reductions in tailpipe emissions as more passengers shift from motor vehicles.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to fund the design and engineering phase of a project by the chicago department of transportation to modernize and improve wayfinding systems in the chicago pedway system. This network provides all-weather grade-separated access to four transit stations in chicagos central business district. The current wayfinding program is not to contemporary standards does not sufficiently emphasize the transit access component has gaps and visibility problems and is not structured to work with digital or in-building signage.

Activities

Phase I preliminary engineering will develop a conceptual and strategic plan for comprehensive pedway wayfinding including background research and stakeholder outreach. The system parameters developed through this first phase will create the framework for phase II final design engineering. This second phase will prepare plans specifications and cost estimates for the detailed design and installation of the wayfinding system and include ongoing stakeholder involvement and technical support for necessary city agreements with pedway-related property owners. Phase III will include construction phase design services.

Expected outcomes

Funding will provide for design and engineering of signage in the chicago pedway network to provide improved access to four rapid transit and commuter rail stations increase convenience for existing transit customers and draw new passengers to these same services. Some new passengers will divert from motor vehicle use for all or part of their journey thereby reducing tailpipe emissions. In the mpos cmaq application process the project was estimated to increase ridership by 863 passengers per day.

Intended beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries are commuters traveling to adjacent transit stations and other pedestrians in the chicago central area. Incidental benefits may also accrue to retailers offices government agencies and cultural institutions participating in the pedway network.