Safety Deficiencies and Traffic Bottlenecks
Over the years there have been many traffic studies to analyze
the traffic flow along the I-290 corridor. These studies show the
increased congestion through this area has caused a disproportionate
amount of crashes. The most common types of crashes are rear end
collisions at interchanges, which account for 68% of crashes, and
sideswipes, which account for another 18%.
The frequency of rear end collisions is typical of congested freeways
that are operating under stop and go conditions. One 3-year study
found an average of 350 crashes per interchange for eight of the
ten interchanges within the project area. Moreover, in the same
time period Austin Boulevard experienced 619 accidents and Harlem
Avenue had 592 accidents.
View
enlarged "Interchange Related Accidents" pie
chart. (chart will open in a new window)
Why do the Austin and Harlem interchanges
have more accidents?
- The Austin and Harlem Avenue interchanges have left-hand ramps
instead of the standard right-hand ramp configuration.
- Left-hand ramps require cars and trucks to make complex weave
maneuvers across several lanes of traffic.
- Left-hand ramps require cars and trucks to decelerate when exiting
in what is typically the higher speed lane.
- Left-hand ramps require cars and trucks to accelerate when
entering in what is typically the higher speed lane.
- Left-hand entrance ramps are particularly difficult for trucks,
due to limited driver sight distance.
 Most
of the ramps on I-290 are conventional right-hand exits and entrances.
However, all of the ramps in this section of the Eisenhower, regardless
of left or right ramping fail to meet current design standards for
length of merging lanes, angle of approach and departure, or spacing
between ramps.
What are other safety deficiencies within this project area?
- Substandard, narrow left shoulders that restrict emergency
access and lack safe refuge areas.
- Ramps are spaced too closely, which result in substandard weave
distances.
- Driver’s views are obstructed by roadside features, such
as the CSX Railroad over I-290, which were not designed to current
safety standards. These features limit the driver’s stopping
sight distance for safely stopping.
- Two of the existing CTA stations are located in the middle of
the heavily congested interchanges at Austin Boulevard and Harlem
Avenue. The high volumes of pedestrian movement within these areas
are not accommodated in a safe and accessible manner.
Traffic Bottlenecks and Safety Deficiencies at a Glance
View
enlarged "Traffic Bottlenecks and Safety Deficiencies at
a Glance" map.
(map will open in a new window)
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