Second lane to reopen during rush hours on Western on North Side

A bit of relief is coming for commuters who take Western Avenue on the North Side — a second lane of traffic will reopen during rush hours from the bridge over the Chicago River to Belmont.

The move is a milestone for the Western/Belmont/Clybourn project in North Center, which is expected to be mostly complete by next summer, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.

The five-way intersection will still be restricted to one lane in each direction on Belmont and Clybourn, according to CDOT.

“Restoring the second lane of traffic for north and southbound motorists on Western Avenue will allow motorists to travel more easily, improve auto and bus patterns, and allow the businesses on Western Avenue to benefit from the elimination of traffic barriers,” CDOT Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld said in the statement.

“We’re pleased to have completed Stage 1 and look forward to completing this entire project on schedule,” Scheinfeld said.

When the project is completed, Western will have three lanes of traffic in each direction during rush hours, with the curbside lane available for parking in some areas at other times. Pedestrian refuge islands, wider sidewalks, high-visibility crosswalks and pedestrian countdown signals are also being added.