A new pedestrian median will built on Miner Street this year to make it safer for people darting across the road to catch their trains and buses.

The nearest crosswalks, on Lee or Pearson streets, are too far from the Metra train station and bus depots, commuters said, especially when people are in a rush.

“Yesterday the buses were running late,”  said Kevin Brennan, as he waited for his Pace bus. “Sometimes people have to run (across Miner) to catch the next thing.”

The median has been in the works for a few years, said Jon Duddles, assistant director of public works and engineering. When it’s completed, the lanes will be narrower and pedestrians will have a place to stop before they continue crossing. Now, the center of the road is just striped and pedestrians are “inches” away from cars, he said.

“It is a much needed improvement,” said Mayor Martin Moylan.

The project was one of the key recommendations from a 2006 downtown parking and traffic study after Metropolitan Square was re-developed. Duddles added the city once did a pedestrian count and found dozens crossing mid-way.

The city had to secure approval for the median from the Illinois Department of Transportation since it doesn’t own Miner Street.

An engineering firm will design the plans, which officials hope to have by mid-spring. Both the design and construction are funded through an energy efficiency and conservation block grant.

Danny Ramirez, 21, admits he always crosses to the middle of the road when catching a bus to Oakton Community College three times a week. Although it can be dangerous, especially with snow, it’s too far to go to Pearson or Lee, he said.

“Going the long way is too long,” Ramirez said, pointing to Lee Street. It’s just easier to “cross here.”

jmdelgado@tribune.com