Chicago Department of Transportation Sustainable Development Initiatives

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is undertaking new sustainable development initiatives under the auspices of Mayor Daley’s Environmental Action Agenda. To address the health of Chicago’s urban ecosystem, environmental features commonly associated with LEED certification are envisioned for construction in the public way. The specific 2006 initiatives include: Green Alleys- Recognizing Chicago's 1,900 miles of alleys as a large contributor of stormwater runoff (the largest alley network worldwide), CDOT has developed a program that will incorporate BMPs into alley design and construction. Sustainable Streets- This program strives to create a Chicago Standard for infrastructure by exploring environmental technologies available for the public way. An upcoming streetscape demonstration project will utilize multiple environmentally friendly, green techniques to comprehensively address Best Management Practices (BMPs) in urban public infrastructure. The project will address stormwater management, the urban heat island effect, light pollution, alternative transportation, and energy efficiency. US-41 Relocation- BMPs for stormwater are being included through the maximization of green space, the utilization of permeable pavement in parking lanes, the reduction of runoff volume through infiltration sewers, and the incorporation of in-line stormwater treatment devices to separate solids, oils, and grease. Bio-Treatment Facility- Instead of discharging directly into the Calumet River, stormwater from the 130th Street & Torrence Avenue intersection will be directed through a bioretention system to provide natural stormwater treatment before its eventual release. Recycling- A pilot program will target recycling in concrete sidewalks, residential asphalt streets, and landscaping.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Attarian, Janet L
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 86th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2007-1-21 to 2007-1-25
• Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 18p
• Monograph Title: TRB 86th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers CD-ROM

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Best practices; City planning; Demonstration projects; Drainage; Environment; Environmental impacts; Greenways; Runoff; Streetscape; Sustainable development; Urban areas
• Uncontrolled Terms: Energy efficiency
• Geographic Terms: Chicago (Illinois)
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01042519
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 07-3160
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Feb 8 2007 7:52PM