[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mayor Brandon Johnson today announced $20,927,748 in new federal funding for the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Ogden Avenue Improvement Project in the North Lawndale neighborhood. This federal investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All program will support improvements along Ogden Avenue to reduce crashes and create a safer and more comfortable corridor for people walking, biking and driving. 

“Improving street safety and increasing multimodal transportation infrastructure makes for safer, more active and more vibrant communities,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to announce this important funding to help the City of Chicago to make much-needed improvements to catalyze economic development, enhance community connectivity and improve quality of life for the North Lawndale community.”

“A smoother, more streamlined transportation network allows residents to more readily and safely access opportunities, and fosters an environment where businesses can thrive,” Durbin said. “Whether it’s getting to work, school, or exploring all that Chicago has to offer, this investment will unlock new possibilities for the North Lawndale community.”

“The City of Chicago is grateful for the federal support for this project, which represents an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure safer, more accessible streets for all Chicagoans,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This project will create a safer and more vibrant Ogden Avenue, which serves as a critical connector for residents to access transit and major commercial areas, schools, hospitals, parks, and more.”  

“Thanks to the leadership of Senators Durbin and Duckworth and all our federal partners for securing funding to support this transformative project in North Lawndale,” said CDOT Acting Commissioner Tom Carney. “CDOT will continue working closely with the community to bring this project to life and ensure that people using all modes of transportation can more safely and comfortably travel along Ogden Avenue.” 

The U.S. DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Ogden Avenue Corridor Improvements Project will revitalize Ogden Avenue between Pulaski and Roosevelt roads as a multimodal transportation corridor and hub for community activity, bringing economic development to the neighborhood. The goals of the project are to improve safety for all users of this corridor, repurpose and activate public spaces and transform this corridor into one that reflects the unique identity of North Lawndale. More information on the project is available at ImproveOgdenAve.org.