TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the recommendation establishing the 2026-2027 Annual New Sidewalk Program.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Christine Rhoades, Senior Civil Engineer
BACKGROUND:
The New Sidewalk Program was established in 2004 following the adoption of the Comprehensive Sidewalk Policy, a guiding document that defines the policies and programs for implementation of the pedestrian component of Naperville's Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The New Sidewalk Program annually installs new public sidewalk in locations that are lacking sidewalk along the roadway (sidewalk gaps). The proposed locations are reviewed by the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) and City Council for approval. To date, the program has installed almost 15 miles of sidewalk in 129 gap locations.
The current selection approach splits gap locations between neighborhood and arterial streets. Neighborhood sidewalk segments generally benefit those who live in proximity to the new sidewalk, such as residents of the neighborhood or children walking to school. Sidewalk segments along arterial roadways benefit regional travelers who are traveling to other parts of the City or have destinations outside of their own neighborhood.
Arterial roadways are defined as streets that serve to provide efficient traffic flow, both within the City as well as to locations outside of Naperville. Examples of major arterials are Washington Street and 95th Street, while minor arterials include Naper Boulevard and Aurora Avenue.
The selection process first removes sidewalk gaps that are not within the City's jurisdiction or that present major challenges in terms of constructability. Neighborhood gaps not along school walk routes and arterial gaps not along primary walk routes are also removed. Staff defines primary walk routes as connections to established pedestrian routes or links to pedestrian generators such as ...
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