Bicycle and Pedestrian Expressway Crossing Study

Study Overview

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is conducting a study to identify existing and future crossing opportunities for pedestrians and people who bike on limited access roadways including interstates, tollways, expressways and grade-separated highways in suburban Cook County. 

Motor vehicles are prioritized on limited access roadways, which can create crossing barriers for residents using other transportation modes. When people need to cross roadways such as interstates, tollways and expressways by walking, biking or rolling, they are often faced with long distances between marked pedestrian crossings, if available at all. When designated crossings are present, users may hesitate to use them due to high traffic volumes, traffic speeds and car oriented infrastructure. 

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Expressway Crossing Study will emphasize pedestrian, bicycle and transit improvements across limited access roadways with a focus on improving safety and connections to everyday destinations like work, school and recreation.

Study Area

There are 246 known locations where roads or trails cross limited access roadways like interstates and Illinois Tollway roadways in suburban Cook County. This study will analyze existing infrastructure, bicycle and pedestrian levels of traffic stress, safety and sociodemographic characteristics around existing crossing locations. The analysis will describe priority locations for future improvements, opportunities for improvements at existing locations and the potential need for new crossings.

Map shows 246 known locations where roads or trails cross limited access roadways in suburban Cook County.

Timeline

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Expressway Crossing Study began in January 2026 and is anticipated to end by fall 2027. The project schedule is below. Stakeholder engagement will occur throughout the study and include the following activities:

  • Interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders
  • A public survey
  • Walking tours

  • Community meetings and workshops

    Anticipated study timeline. In 2026, DoTH will study existing conditions and collect data; gather public feedback on existing conditions; evaluate potential improvements; gather public feedback on potential improvements and prioritize projects and develop recommendations. In 2027, DoTH will continue to prioritize projects; gather public feedback on proposed recommendations and develop the final report with recommendations.

FAQs

    Why is DoTH conducting this study?

    Interstates, expressways, tollways and grade-separated highways can have a disproportionate impact on people who walk, bicycle and use transit systems to reach destinations like school, work and recreation in suburban Cook County. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Expressway Crossings Study will recommend improvements to existing designated crossings on limited access roadways. It will also establish guidance for future crossing designs to create a safer and more convenient transportation system for residents using various modes of travel.

    How were existing crossing locations identified?

    Any roadway or trail that crosses over or under an interstate, expressway or grade-separated highway in suburban Cook County is considered an existing crossing. Crossing locations may or may not currently have pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure such as sidewalks, sidepaths or bike lanes.

    Which crossing locations are being considered for improvements?

    The study will evaluate all existing crossing locations for improvements. It will also assess new potential crossing locations on limited access roadways. The study will evaluate and prioritize crossings based on factors such as safety, comfort, connections to surrounding streets, access to transit, access to key community destinations and feasibility for improvements, among others.

    What kind of improvements are being considered for crossing locations?

    This study will identify a range of crossing improvements, such as new or improved sidewalk, sidepath and bicycle connections to existing crossings; expanded space on existing bridges; and potential new bridges and underpasses.

    Can I provide feedback on potential improvements or share my ideas for new crossings?

    There will be both in-person and digital opportunities for public feedback throughout the study. More information will be posted to this webpage soon.