The hit-and-run death of a corrections officer two months ago has spurred officials to make changes to the street where the incident happened.
Nikkii Bostic-Jones, 38, of Plainfield, was on her way to work on July 18 when she was struck in the 2900 block of South California, just outside of Cook County Jail Complex in the Little Village neighborhood.
Pedestrian islands are being added to the middle of the roadway, along with other changes in the crosswalks along the block, incluing pavement markings and signs, wheelchair ramps and eliminating some on-street parking.
"What that's going to provide is a safe refuge for pedestrians to cross the roadways. No longer will they have to cross the roadway in one stretch. They can cross half-way, stop in the median, and wait for a safe time to complete the remainder of their movement," said Cook County Highway Department spokeswoman Sis Killen.
The project will cost $204,000 and should be completed by October.
Juan Bello, of the 2900 block of W. 25th Street, was charged with reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident involving a death, failure to yield to pedestrian, too fast for conditions, and driving on a revoked license.
