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Pershing Road Bridge Improvement Project
The proposed scope of work for the Pershing Road Bridge Improvement Project is from Ashland Avenue to Wentworth Avenue and primarily consists of the replacement of the Pershing Road bridge over Racine Avenue and the Norfolk Southern (NS) railroad tracks. The project will include bridge replacement, retaining walls construction, roadway reconstruction, and water main relocation. In addition, drainage improvements, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, traffic signal improvements (along the Pershing Corridor intersections of Morgan St., Halsted St., Emerald Ave., Union Ave., Wallace St., Normal Ave., and Wentworth Ave.), accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) installation, and proposed landscaping, signage and lighting are included in the project. The purpose of this project is to provide a transportation system improvement that will enhance mobility and local access while also addressing safety issues along Pershing Rd. A combination of sidewalk, shared-use path, on-street bike lanes or protected bike lanes will be installed on both sides of the corridor.
The project will be constructed in one (1) pre-stage and three (3) primary stages. During construction, Pershing Rd. will require a vehicular detour between Ashland Avenue and Morgan Street.
The Pershing Road detour for the eastbound traffic for the Ashland Avenue to Morgan Street closure will be southbound Ashland Ave, then eastbound 47th Street, and northbound Halsted St to end at Pershing Road. Westbound Pershing Road will use the same detour vice versa. The Racine Ave closure at Pershing includes traffic directed to 40th St. Morgan St. and 38th St. The duration of this detour is estimated to be at least two construction seasons (Approximately 16 to 18 months) and is subject to the project construction schedule.
This detour is required for the full closure and replacement of the bridge over Racine Ave. and the NS railroad tracks during Stage 1. Access will be always maintained for the local businesses. Wallace St., Normal Ave., Princeton Ave. and Wells St. will be detoured for side street reconstruction for a short-term duration (up to 30 days). One lane of traffic in each direction will be always maintained during all stages, except for detour locations. Temporary traffic signals will be installed at the existing signalized intersections in each stage according to the lane configurations. Pedestrian and driveway access will also be maintained during stage construction.
The project schedule for the 2027 construction season is primarily focused on utility relocation, and then roadway and bridge construction is scheduled to occur from 2028 to 2030.
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