Harlem Avenue bridge repairs begin Jan. 16

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs to the bridges carrying Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over 95^th Street (U.S. 12/20), from 92^nd Place, in Bridgeview, to south of 99^th Place, in Chicago Ridge, passing through Oak Lawn, will begin, weather permitting, Thursday, Jan. 16.

To safely set up the work zone, starting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Harlem Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction between 92^nd and 99^th Place. Lanes will reopen by the evening rush, when the new traffic pattern will be in place.

In the new configuration, the existing concrete median will be removed to accommodate two lanes in each direction on Harlem Avenue, with lane width reduced to 11 feet.

Additionally, the northbound Harlem Avenue to westbound 95^th Street ramp and the eastbound 95^th Street to northbound Harlem Avenue ramp will be redirected to temporary ramps as the existing ramps are reconstructed. The public also should expect occasional overnight ramp and lane closures throughout the project to accommodate removal and installation of steel beams.

This configuration is expected to remain in place until later this summer. Access to residences and businesses within the work zone will be maintained throughout construction.

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.

The overall $43.3 million project is scheduled to be completed in several stages and consists of reconstructing and resurfacing Harlem Avenue over 95^th Street between 92^nd and 99^th Place, reconstructing the Harlem Avenue/95^th Street interchange, installing modernized traffic signals, lighting, drainage improvements and new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. The project also includes rehabilitating the Harlem Avenue bridges over the CSX Railroad and over 95^th Street along with the eastbound 95^th Street elevated ramp to southbound Harlem Avenue outer connector ramp over the CSX Railroad. Additionally, 95^th Street from I-294 to New England Avenue will be resurfaced and new storm sewers installed. ​

The overall project is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.

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.

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