We were shocked to read the article claiming that race played any role in the proposed plan to reconstruct the Dan Ryan Expressway (“Suit filed over Dan Ryan plan; Ramp closings unfair to blacks, angry group says,” Metro, Dec. 16). The Illinois Department of Transportation, the agency that manages the $450 million project, will only construct an expressway that is safe for the driving public.
To read accusations that decisions were made based on race is reckless, not to mention appalling.
The proposed plan was developed through review of engineering studies, accident data, traffic counts and ramp configurations that prove the number of ramps and their proximity to be unsafe. We have and will continue to engage the public in developing a final plan for the Dan Ryan reconstruction.
IDOT held more than 40 meetings with elected officials, community leaders and business owners as part of our continued outreach efforts. We have extended the deadline for public input to incorporate the public’s suggestions into our plan.
IDOT has distributed thousands of pieces of literature outlining the project as well as providing information on our Web site. In addition, community members asked for access to accident data and that information was made available at 11 public libraries on the South Side of Chicago. Concerns were also raised about the inability to find the Bronzeville Historic District and the proposed removal of the Root Street Bridge. Based on those concerns, we have placed signs along the Dan Ryan directing motorists to the district and we have agreed to keep in the bridge. We have also created a taskforce, comprised of residents from the 22 neighborhoods surrounding the Dan Ryan, which will begin meeting this month.
Though we have and will continue to work with residents, IDOT will reject any plan that does not promote safety. When the Dan Ryan was built in 1962, it was touted as state-of-the-art. Now, 20 years past its original design life, the expressway carries 300,000 vehicles daily, twice the intended amount. The goal of the reconstruction project is to keep the motoring public safe by reducing congestion and the number of accidents on one of the busiest and most dangerous expressways in the country.
