Manhattan Moves Ahead With Rebuilding, Reopening Of Eastern Avenue

MANHATTAN, IL — It's a one-mile stretch of road, but it's an important one.

Manhattan officials last week approved the reconstruction and reopening of Eastern Avenue, from Baker to Smith Road, bringing back another north/south entry point and connection to neighboring New Lenox. The road is expected to reopen by the end of the year, Mayor Mike Adrieansen told Patch.

The portion of road was closed approximately 20 years ago due to its poor condition, Adrieansen said. Reopening the stretch increases access to and from Manhattan, as a third north/south corridor along with Cedar Road and US 52.

The reopening is essential as Manhattan grows, Adrieansen said, and was a top priority for him following his election.

"With all the truck traffic and the increased amount of traffic, we thought that this would be a safer route for our residents," Adrieansen told Patch, "especially young residents first getting their license."

The stretch will give residents another route to Lincoln-Way West High School, specifically, he said.

The Village previously faced several challenges in bringing the plan to fruition, including use of property with four pipelines in the area.

"Getting these agreements secured was one of the largest challenges to moving this project forward and caused the long delay in getting this started," Adrieansen said.

Officials at a recent meeting awarded a bid for the project to PT Ferro, at a pricetag of just under $1.3 million. The contract with the company requires that the work be completed by Nov. 30, 2023, Adrieansen said.

An additional positive of the project, Adrieansen said, is that it supports the construction of the new Manhattan Fire Protection District firehouse that will be located just north of Smith Road. Construction is targeted to begin in 2024, once sewer and water service has been secured.

Officials are also weighing location future public works and EMA facilities in the area, Adrieansen said.

"This entire project is another good example of the cooperation between our various tax bodies." Adrieansen said.