Harlem Avenue Bridge Repairs Planned, Expect Delays: IDOT

CHICAGO – Starting Thursday, Jan. 16, IDOT will be making repairs to the bridges carrying Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over 95th Street (US 12/20) in Bridgeview, to south of 99th Place in Chicago Ridge and passing through Oak Lawn will start, weather permitting.

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

In the new configuration, Harlem Avenue will remain two lanes in each direction, with both lanes on the westbound side of the road as workers rehabilitate the existing eastbound portion.
Additionally, the northbound Harlem Avenue to westbound 95th Street ramp and the eastbound 95th 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.

Motorists 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 95th Street between 92nd and 99th Place, reconstructing the Harlem Avenue/95th Street interchange, installing modernized traffic signals, lighting, drainage improvements and new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.

The overall project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.