Judy Lamelza
Special to Chicago Construction News
As we enter the fifth year of the Rebuild Illinois program, it’s clear that the state is undergoing a transformative period in its infrastructure development. With a historic bipartisan capital program led by Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois is investing more than $128 million in central Cook County alone. For those in the commercial construction sector, this represents a plethora of opportunities for work, skill development, and contributing to community betterment.
Central Cook County: 10 projects to watch
LaGrange Road Overhaul – LaGrange Road (U.S. 12/20/45) over Santa Fe Drive, Sanitary & Ship Canal, I&M Canal & Canadian National Railroad in Countryside, Hodgkins, Justice and Willow Springs
- This ongoing project focuses on bridge repair, deck replacement, and lighting improvements. With construction slated for completion by spring 2024, it’s a long-term commitment that promises to improve safety and mobility.
Pulaski Road Resurfacing – Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290) to Cermak Road in Chicago
- This project began in the summer and is expected to wrap up this fall. It involves resurfacing and will require daily lane closures but promises a smoother, safer driving experience upon completion.
East Avenue Reconstruction – East Avenue from Joliet Road to 55th Street in Countryside, Hodgkins and McCook
- started last spring, this project involves intersection reconstruction and resurfacing. It’s expected to be completed by spring 2024.
Cicero Avenue Bridge Deck Resurfacing – Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) over Beltway Railway Company in Bedford Park and Chicago
- project began in 2021 and aims to complete by the end of this year. It involves bridge deck resurfacing and repairs.
55th Street Widening – 55th Street from Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) to west of Plainfield Road in Western Springs, Lyons Township, Countryside and LaGrange
- includes intersection widening and resurfacing, with a completion date set for fall 2025.
Harlem Avenue Bridge Widening – Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over 95th Street (U.S. 12/20) in Oak Lawn
- includes bridge widening and resurfacing. It is anticipated to begin later this fall and completed in the fall of 2025.
East Avenue Traffic Signal Installation – East Avenue at 47th Street in McCook
- scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025 and completed in the fall of 2026.
LaGrange Road Bridge Replacement – (U.S. 12) at Archer Avenue (Illinois 171) and 79th Street in Willow Springs and Justice
- includes bridge replacement with at least one lane to remain open during construction. Work is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024 and complete in the summer of 2025.
The Bishop Ford Expressway is terrible and has been for years with lanes flooded after heavy rains. The highway itself deep craters and cracks. From 103rd all the in and out to 159th street both directions. When and why has no major repairs has been done to this expressway for years with all of the truck traffic and traffic coming in from Indiana.
Hey Judy, do you see any upcoming construction for kedzie avenue at I-80, that area is atrocious!