Francisco Avenue Sidewalk Project

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is committed to ensuring that those who live and work in the County are part of our planning process. Bookmark this page or email franciscoavenuesidewalk@gmail.com to request to be added to the mailing list to stay up to date on the project.

COOK COUNTY WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU. PROVIDE YOUR FEEDBACK ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS ALONG FRANCISCO AVENUE

Public Information Open House

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Location: Blue Island City Hall East Annex, 2434 Vermont St., Blue Island, IL 60406

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH), in coordination with the City of Blue Island, is proposing improvements to pedestrian facilities along Francisco Avenue and Wireton Road/Vermont Street from Claire Boulevard/Broadway Street to California Avenue.

The purpose of the public information open house is to present the proposed sidewalk improvements and project schedule and seek public input and comments.

Public information open house materials: 


The comment period for the public information open house is open now through June 12, 2026. If you have questions about the public information open house or comments about the proposed plan, email the project team at franciscoavenuesidewalk@gmail.com to be part of the official record.

For media inquiries, please contact Natalia Derevyanny at Natalia.Derevyanny@cookcountyil.gov and Meaghan Johnson at Meaghan.Johnson@cookcountyil.gov

Project Overview

DoTH is proposing improvements to Francisco Avenue from Claire Boulevard to the Wireton Road/Vermont Street/California Avenue intersection in the City of Blue Island. The purpose of this project is to provide a safe, continuous sidewalk for students and other pedestrians, linking neighborhoods north and south of the Cal-Sag Channel to Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, supporting the Safe Routes to School program. 

The proposed improvements along the corridors include:

  • Crosswalk and ADA improvements at Francisco Avenue and Claire Boulevard and at Vermont Street and California Avenue 
  • Sidewalk construction north of the Cal-Sag Channel to Wireton Road and from Francisco Avenue to California Avenue
  • Pedestrian push buttons, crosswalk and ADA improvements at Francisco Avenue and Wireton Road

  • Improved bus stop boarding areas at three existing locations on southbound Francisco Avenue and eastbound Claire Boulevard

    Francisco Avenue sidewalk project location map.

Project Timeline

DoTH, in coordination with the City of Blue Island, is preparing a preliminary engineering and environmental (Phase I) study for this project. During this phase, the project team is developing an initial design, conducting environmental and engineering studies and coordinating with the public to determine a preferred alternative for these corridors. The May 13, 2026, public information open house will provide an opportunity to learn about the project, ask questions and provide comments on the proposed project.

After the public information open house and public comment period, which ends June 12, 2026, DoTH will finalize the Phase I study for this project in fall/winter 2026. After the Phase I study is complete, DoTH and the City of Blue Island will seek grant funding for future phases of the project. Construction could begin as early as 2029, pending funding availability. 

Project timeline for Francisco Avenue Sidewalk project.