Sustainable Streetscape: Case of Lake Street in Downtown Oak Park, Illinois, USA

This study explored sustainable alternatives for the purpose of reconstructing a street through the downtown Oak Park, Illinois, USA. The standard design for pavement follows Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) design standards for hot mix asphalt and concrete pavements. Four design alternatives, two hot mix asphalt (HMA), and two concrete pavement designs were chosen to examine and identify the most sustainable design. A sustainability assessment was performed considering the broader environmental, economic, and social implications of the design alternatives. The life cycle environment impact analysis was performed to quantify the environmental impacts of each alternative. In addition, a life cycle cost assessment was performed by considering direct costs incurred by each design alternative. Finally, the social impacts (benefits) were identified for the case of with and without reconstruction of the street. The main focus of the study is to evaluate the alternatives and select the most sustainable option based on environmental impact analysis with due consideration to the economic and social aspects.