New Alignment of Elston to Partially Open –New Traffic Pattern and Turning Restrictions Will Take Effect; Delays Will Continue Thru Construction Zone Until Project Completion in December

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today announced that on Tuesday a portion of a new section of Elston Avenue will open, re-routing traffic from the intersection of Fullerton Avenue and Damen Avenue. The announcement marks a major milestone in the reconstruction and realignment of the often-congested intersections.

Starting after the Tuesday morning rush period, northbound and southbound vehicles will start using one lane in each direction on the new section of Elston, which crosses Fullerton about a block east of the existing six-way intersection, and crosses Damen north of the current intersection. 

The two-block stretch of old Elston Avenue south of Fullerton will be renamed Elston Court. Under the new traffic pattern, vehicles will be allowed to turn right from eastbound Fullerton onto Elston Court and vehicles from northbound Elston Court south of Fullerton will only be permitted to turn right on Fullerton. 

Drivers should continue to expect delays through the construction zone until the completion of the project in December. Alternate routes are recommended to avoid delays. Recommended east-west alternates include Diversey, Webster and North Avenues; Ashland Avenue and Clybourn Avenue are recommended as north-south alternates. 

Another stage change scheduled to take effect August 22nd will reduce traffic on Fullerton to one lane in each direction. This configuration will be in place through November.

When complete, the new stretch of Elston will feature two lanes in each direction plus a center turn lane and concrete-protected bike lanes on either side. The project will also widen Damen to provide improved bike accommodations, widen the north sidewalk along Fullerton, and include the resurfacing of all streets within the project limits.  

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