Car Traffic Will Return To Stretch Of Lincoln Avenue This Week

Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Square will reopen to car traffic this week after being closed since June for construction work. The closure affected the intersection with Leland Avenue, prompting a temporary one-way conversion on Leland Avenue. Crews poured quick-setting concrete over the weekend to prepare for the reopening, which faced delays due to a city water department issue. Josh Mark, chief of staff for Ald. Matt Martin, emphasized the urgency of the reopening process.

Once the intersection reopens, construction will shift to the west side of Western Avenue, altering current traffic patterns while keeping west side sidewalks accessible. The renovations respond to the 2019 Lincoln Square Master Plan, which identified local infrastructure and aesthetic improvements. These upgrades include pedestrian and cyclist-friendly enhancements, a new public plaza, and upgraded CTA infrastructure. Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the ongoing construction, which has lasted over two years, with some enjoying the car-free periods while others voiced frustration over impacts on local businesses.