(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — To reduce threats to stores and increase safety for people along North Michigan Avenue, barriers will be erected in the coming weeks.
The barriers installed from Chicago Avenue to Ohio Street will include granite planter boxes, as well as metal and stone bollards.
They're designed to prevent vehicles from hitting stores as part of crash-and-grab burglaries, as well as block vehicles from getting onto sidewalks and hitting pedestrians.
The Michigan Avenue Special Service Area is working with the Magnificent Mile Association and the city to erect the barriers.
“Our focus is always on people and human life. And I think the secondary benefit of the bollards as well as the planters, are not only can we protect the people on the avenue, but we can also protect our businesses,” said John Gagliardo, a commissioner with the Michigan Avenue Special Service Area.
Gagliardo says installation of the barriers along North Michigan Avenue should be completed by August.
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