The Chicago Transit Authority has narrowed the options for its proposed Circle Line down to two routes, according to a story in today’s Chicago Sun-Times. The Ashland route would run down Archer to Ashland, then up Ashland to North Avenue, before turning east to the CTA’s North and Clybourn stop. The Ashland-Ogden route is similar, but takes a diagonal path up Ogden to get from Ashland to Division (maps in PDF format here).
During the last century, new train lines in Chicago spurred development, created communities and dramatically affected property values. The route that the Circle Line takes could have broad implications for neighborhoods and homeowners in and out of the new Loop. Click on “Comments” below to argue for the best route or to give your take on what effect the Circle Line will have on our neighborhoods.
I’d rather see some kind of rapid-transit development in the “no mans land” (meaning, distant from either the L or Metra) that covers most of the mid-Northwest Side. Years ago the “Crosstown Expressway” (running roughly parallel to Cicero Ave.) was proposed as a way to relieve this area’s isolation, but was understandably voted down. So some alternative system, such as the Circle Line, could be a blessing for those communities.
anon – there is actually a proposed rapid transit corridor for unused rail lines paralell to Cicero, can’t remember the link at the moment.
Why was the Western corridor removed from consideration? Ashland would be good, but seems a little close in. A Belmont/Kedzie (or Cicero)/Orange Line line would seem to make more sense. It would extend service to the west side, make it easier to get to O’Hare from the North Side, and easier to get to Midway from the NW side.
Anon and DN:
The mid-city transitway is still an active proposal, although it’s years off. You can find out more if you check out http://www.transitchicago.com and do a little browsing(I’m too lazy to find the exact site right now)
It seems to follow the Chicago 21 Plan. Somewhat. I agree Western should have been the outerpoint. If they are at all serious about developing Humboldt Park, the Western edge of Pilsen/McKinley Park, they need to have access. Granted, this will be no sooner than 10 years from now and our city will, no doubt, be under the tyrannical rule of someone by the name of Jackson or Guiterrez, but still.