Obama Presidential Center

TYLin is providing traffic engineering and transportation planning services for the Barack Obama Foundation for the proposed Obama Presidential Center (OPC). The traffic impact study analyzes the expected traffic impacts associated with the closure and removal of a six-lane segment of Cornell Avenue within Jackson Park to accommodate the preferred location of the OPC. Several alternatives are being analyzed that include various combinations of roadway closures and alternate routing. The study involves data collection at approximately 40 intersections, travel demand modeling to assess traffic diversions and growth, traffic analysis and simulation using Synchro/SimTraffic, identification of potential impacts, and development of mitigation measures and intersection capacity improvements to accommodate the diverted traffic due to the street removal.

TYLin is also informing the site design with respect to access and circulation for the OPC site, including multi-modal access; tour bus, passenger car, and taxi pick-up/drop-off accommodations; truck loading; parking demand studies; and both on- and off-site pedestrian and bicycle safety. Travel demand management strategies are being developed to encourage transit and non-motorized travel to and from the site. Another key aspect for ground-level planning is considering the potential impact that the security perimeter and physical barriers would have on vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle access and circulation, such that the potential queues resulting from security screening operations can be accommodated.

TYLin is also a key participant in the extensive stakeholder outreach effort, which includes the Mayor’s Office, Chicago Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Transportation, and community representatives.

Image credit: Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects