11/25 UPDATE/Clarification:
Northbound East Avenue is closed to through traffic between 55th and 47th streets. Access to residences and businesses within the work zone will be maintained throughout construction. East Avenue is closed to all northbound traffic between 49th and 47th streets.
Northbound motorists traveling through the area should follow the posted detour: west on 55th Street, north on La Grange Road (U.S. 12/45/20), east on Ogden Avenue (U.S. 34), south on Illinois 171, back to 47th Street. Local streets are unable to accommodate heavy or wide trucks.
47th Street at East Avenue intersection improvement begins Oct. 28
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that intersection improvements at 47th Street and East Avenue, in Brookfield, La Grange and McCook, will begin, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 28.
The work will initially require daily lane closures on 47th Street and East Avenue approaching the intersection. In mid-November, eastbound 47th Street between East Avenue and Plainfield Road will be closed and westbound 47th Street reduced from two to one lane. Additionally, northbound East Avenue between 47th and 55th streets will be closed, southbound will remain open. Motorists should follow the posted detours.
The $18 million project will reconstruct the existing four-way stop intersection to a signalized intersection with dedicated turn lanes, improved lighting and new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. The project also includes upgrading the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad crossing just west of the intersection, resurfacing and drainage improvements.
The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026.
The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternative routes are encouraged. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Five of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements.
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 X.
# # #
Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell
