Lucinda Avenue Resurfacing and Roundabout, Ph. I, II

City of DeKalb

OBJECTIVE

The primary challenge of this corridor improvement project was to evaluate the feasibility of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road while remaining within the existing right-of-way to minimize land acquisition. Due to the proximity of the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Disability Resource Center, the design required enhanced accommodations to ensure safe and accessible crossings for all users, particularly pedestrians with disabilities. Additionally, the project aimed to improve safety along the broader corridor by redesigning mid-block crossings and a shared-use path to reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project involved converting the Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road intersection from a signalized intersection to a modern roundabout, along with comprehensive corridor improvements. The design process included feasibility analysis and geometric design developed to fit within existing right-of-way constraints. Given the location within the NIU campus and near the Disability Resource Center, the design emphasized accessibility and safety.

Engineering services included topographic survey, environmental survey request, crash analysis, and preparation of a Project Development Report. The design incorporated ADA- and PROWAG-compliant features, including mid-block crossings and RRFBs on all approaches to improve pedestrian safety, particularly along key routes between transit stops and campus facilities.

Throughout the project, HLR coordinated closely with Northern Illinois University and conducted public outreach to communicate project benefits and impacts to the campus community.

A single-lane roundabout was constructed at Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road, incorporating Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at a critical splitter island to enhance pedestrian safety. Additional planned benefits include relocation of mid-block crossings to safer locations, median reconstruction to improve left-turn operations, and upgraded ADA-compliant shared-use paths. Separate plans for corridor resurfacing and additional ADA crossing improvements between Annie Glidden Road and the Kishwaukee River Bridge were also delivered for future implementation when funding becomes available.