Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— The long-awaited improvements to Western Avenue will likely cause delays. Traffic will be slowed by the work of construction crews scheduled to widen and resurface the roadway. Workers from Nicor and ComEd will begin utility relocation next month, ushering in the first of many delays expected to continue through the end of the year from Illinois Street to Sauk Trail.
Signs will be posted in March to alert motorist of lane reductions beginning April 1st that will decrease the number of lanes available from four to two, with one in each direction.
The two outer lanes of Western Avenue will be the first to close for repair with the inner lanes scheduled for later closing. Motorists may be inconvenienced at times by temporary parking lot and street closings during underground sewer and water-main installation.
The Village will soon begin to notify area cooperatives affected by the project of the expected work and manner in which the contractor will proceed. Once construction is underway, contractors will continue to troubleshoot problematic traffic areas.
The widening and resurfacing of Western Avenue comes after several years of discussion of Board Members and requests from residents seeking a smoother ride and better traffic flow on the well traveled road.
In addition to road resurfacing, additional work is scheduled to be completed on the railroad tracks north of Norwood Plaza that have taken their toll on crossing automobiles. The tracks are scheduled to be closed to traffic for six days beginning in May. A pedestrian crossing for the tracks is also planned.
Source: VOPF
