The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) joined 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn today on the southwest side to kick off the 2024 paving season, as the first steps of the repaving efforts – known as milling operations – are underway in Chicago neighborhoods. CDOT is targeting 150 miles of arterial and residential street resurfacing throughout 2024.

“The City of Chicago is hitting the ground running this construction season and residents will start to see paving projects happening throughout the city,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “These investments are critical to not only maintain our infrastructure, but also for creating a safe, accessible, and well-maintained transportation system. We are coordinating closely across departments and agencies to minimize disruptions and efficiently deliver improvements to all Chicago communities.”

Today crews began work on a federally funded resurfacing project on 63rd Street between Harlem Avenue and Melvina Avenue. In addition to complete roadway resurfacing, the 1.25-mile project will repair utility trenches, address standing water issues, and enhance pedestrian safety. Upgrades include curb extensions, new signage, and pavement markings that will increase the visibility of people crossing the street, creating a safer and more comfortable corridor for people walking and taking transit.

“I am excited the 63rd Street resurfacing project is underway, and I thank 13th Ward residents for their patience,” Alderman Quinn said. “We prioritized pedestrian safety in this project, and I’m honored to partner with Commissioner Carney and the Department of Water Management to get this deteriorating road fixed for our local residents.” 

The project is the first of nearly 3.75 miles of 63rd Street scheduled for resurfacing between Harlem Avenue and Calumet Avenue this year. Other upcoming resurfacing projects on major arterial streets include:

• Addison Street from Octiavia Street to Luna Avenue (2.25 miles)
• Division Street from California to Kedzie (.5 miles)
• Homan Avenue from Roosevelt Road to Chicago Avenue (2 miles)
• Kedzie Avenue 51st Street to 63rd Street (1.5 miles)
• Taylor Street from Western Avenue to Racine Avenue (1.25 miles)
• Western Avenue from Belmont Avenue to Foster Avene (2.5 miles)

 
City of Chicago infrastructure departments work closely together and with utilities to efficiently manage projects like repaving and limit the impact they have on residents.

"We prioritize coordination with other utilities in order to minimize disruption and save money for our residents, said Chicago Department of Water Management Commissioner Randy Conner. "DWM is committed to identifying efficiencies on all of our projects."

Through CDOT’s Project Coordination Office, City infrastructure departments and utilities have worked together to reduce the amount of project conflicts that would require opening up a street more than once. Last year this coordination saved the City an estimated $20 million by reducing materials wasted due to duplication. This was the result of the review and coordination of over 10,000 projects and permits spread across over 800 coordination corridors. The Project Coordination Office holds weekly meetings with utility stakeholders where we collaborate and discuss coordination opportunities.

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