McCormick Place West Expansion, Chicago, Illinois

Regina Webster & Associates worked with Mc4West LLC to provide traffic engineering services for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority’s 700,000 square foot expansion of the McCormick Place Convention Center. The project was located on a parcel bordered by Cermak Road, Martin Luther King Drive, Indiana Avenue, and the Stevenson Expressway.  RWA designed plans for the installation of traffic signals at three locations: 24th Place and the new parking garage entrance, 24th Place and Michigan Avenue, and 25th Street and Michigan Avenue. The traffic signal design included optically programmable signal heads and vehicle detection by means of both loop detectors and video cameras.  Synchro and SimTraffic simulation software were used to conduct capacity analyses and to develop traffic signal network timing optimization. As part of the engineering services, a weaving and ramp capacity analysis was performed for the Martin Luther King Drive Exit Ramp on I-55. A VISSIM analysis of circulation was also performed to determine whether additional truck traffic bound for the West Hall would impact existing truck traffic at the South Hall docking area.  The scope of the work also includes recommendations to the team for access geometry, signage, maintenance of traffic, and circulation.