Crews to Remove Trees on Route 137

As part of the Illinois Department of Transportation's work on Illinois Routes 21 and 137, crews began removing trees along Route 137, between Casey Road and Route 21, on Tuesday, according to a village press release.

The work is expected to continue for two to three weeks and will require intermittent lane closures on Route 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the workdays.

The IDOT project includes two phases.

Phase I

The first part of the project involves relocating utility lines north of Route 137 and the placement of temporary pavement in anticipation of lane shifts in the second phase.

Second Phase Starts in the Spring

The second phase of the project is expected to begin in the spring with the construction of the new traffic lanes. Other project features include new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, retaining walls, retention ponds, and storm water improvement systems, according to a press release.

The project involves reconstructing the roadway, building a second lane in both directions and adding an 18-foot landscaped median along 2.2 miles. New traffic signals will be installed at Route 21 and Casey Road. Dual left- and right-turn lanes in each direction will be added at Route 21 and Route 137, according to a press release.

Project Set for Completion in Fall 2013

Lake County Grading Co., of Libertyville, is the prime contractor for the $2.3 million initial phase of work. The entire $25 million project is scheduled to be complete and the four lanes open to traffic in fall 2013. Funding for the project is being provided by Lake County, according to a press release.

Project Updates

• Find updates of the Route 21 and Route 137 project at: www.Libertyville.com 
• Find details on other construction projects in Illinois Department of Transportation District 1 at: www.DOT.State.IL.US.
• Updates on the impacts to traffic are available at www.TravelMidwest.com.

Related Articles:

• Guide to Illinois Route 21 Widening Project