Multiple projects scheduled in central Cook County

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that multiple improvement projects in central Cook County are underway or starting soon and extending into 2023. The six projects represent a total investment of $95 million for the region, with $48 million coming from Gov. JB Pritzker's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.

"With the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, we are restoring and transforming Illinois's aging infrastructure," said Gov. Pritzker. "Rebuild Illinois is not only about investing in infrastructure but about investing in people and communities as well. In the coming months, IDOT will undertake projects that will ultimately create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs in central Cook County and across the entire state."

Projects include:  

• Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290) at Des Plaines River
Ongoing pump station replacement project. The project involves removal of the existing pump station superstructure and the construction of a new larger pump station, wet well and building south of the existing Station No. 4. The new pump station is designed to improve the sewer system along the I-290 corridor. The project started in summer 2019 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.

• East Avenue from 55th Street to Joliet Road
Intersection improvement with new retaining walls, ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps and improved drainage. One lane in each direction will be maintained during construction. A detour will be in place for trucks and large vehicles. The project is scheduled to begin this fall and completed in summer 2023.

• U.S. 12/45 (La Grange Road) over Sanitary & Ship Canal, I&M Canal and CN Railroad
Bridge repair project with new deck and lighting. Northbound bridge structure will be closed. Southbound lanes will be shared for northbound and southbound traffic. One lane in each direction will be maintained. The project is scheduled to begin this fall and completed in fall 2022.
 
• 47th Street from Plainfield Road to Illinois 43 (Harlem Avenue)
Ongoing resurfacing project. Daily lane closures are needed to complete the project, which began earlier this spring and is anticipated to be completed this summer. 

• Cermak Road over Gardner Avenue/Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, 25th Avenue and Addison Creek
The ongoing project involves replacing the bridge over Addison Creek as well as rehabilitating the bridges over Gardner Avenue/Indian Harbor Belt Railroad and 25th Avenue, along with installing new guardrail, resurfacing and replacing deteriorated sidewalk and curbs. Cermak Road is reduced to one lane in each direction between Norfolk Avenue and 17th Avenue with lane widths reduced to 11 feet. The project started earlier this spring and is anticipated to be completed in late 2022.

• 25th Avenue over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad
Ongoing bridge repair project with new deck overlay, joint and structural steel repairs. One lane in each direction will be maintained during construction, which started earlier this spring and is anticipated to be completed this fall. 

"These projects represent a significant investment in central Cook County and are a big step forward in our work to improve safety, mobility and create economic opportunity for years to come," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "We're asking drivers to be patient, slow down and pay extra attention driving in and around any work zone." 

In addition to improving roads and bridges, Rebuild Illinois identifies in the Chicago area $400 million for the CREATE program, $500 million to establish passenger rail to the Quad Cities and Rockford, and $4 billion for the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace.

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing $33.2 billion into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and Twitter.