City staff presents Springfield Avenue resurfacing plan; recommends keeping rapid-flashing beacon at Granger crossing

A city staff member presented draft plans for the western portion of Springfield Avenue, from Wright Street to Gregory, saying the work is primarily resurfacing with targeted full-depth reconstruction only at the worst segments and curb‑ramp and sidewalk repairs where needed. "This is primarily a resurfacing project," the staff member said, noting the plan removes brick pavers adjacent to the University of Illinois and replaces them with concrete where coordination with U of I has been completed.

Staff reviewed crash data for the segment and told the committee that Regional Planning Commission (RPC) data for 2015–2024 showed no fatal or type‑A injury crashes and no recorded pedestrian or cyclist crashes in the segment being studied. The presenter said they received 714 responses to an active‑transportation survey and 15 comments about this crossing, many expressing concern about cars not stopping; nevertheless, staff said the crash record supports keeping the existing rectangular rapid‑flashing beacon (RRFB) at the Granger Library crossing for now. "For this segment, I think it's really telling that there's ... no pedestrian or cyclist crashes over 10 years," the presenter said.

The plans shown were draft materials being finalized with consultant Fairgram, and staff said they are targeting construction during a university break. Staff also said more substantial traffic‑calming or a raised traffic table is not included in this resurfacing project unless future crash data or a formal study warrants revisiting the design. The presenter summarized next steps as finalizing the plan set with the consultant and presenting the design to BPAC and the broader public for review before the project goes to bid.